Antique Textiles

Our sales regularly feature fine antique textiles from around the world, including Asian and Islamic examples, as well as the finest British and European needlework and silks from the 16th century onwards. We are one of the few remaining auctioneers to offer specialist auctions dedicated to textiles and lace.
In 2018, a poor-condition but exquisitely hand-painted and printed Indian cotton palampore panel, early 18th century, achieved £17,000, despite being repaired with rows of machined zig-zag darning.

In 2019, we were honoured to present the textile collection of the late Roderick Taylor, the highly respected historian and author of ‘Ottoman Embroidery’ and ‘Embroidery of the Greek Islands’. The highlight of his collection was a 17th century Ottoman embroidered quilt facing, Yorgan Yuzu, which made £15,000.
There is a huge demand for Chinese robes and textiles; dragon robes and rank badges being particularly prized. A yellow-ground Imperial robe, late Qing dynasty, sold for £20,000 in 2011, despite being heavily altered.

European and Kashmir shawls feature in our auctions, the latter being the most highly prized, and in the past we have handled the fine private collections of Maurice & Marta Clare and Dr Joan Coleman.

British embroidered textiles, stumpwork and samplers are still keenly sought after, but buyers are highly selective, and the pieces need to be as near-perfect as possible to command high prices.

We are the only UK auction house still specialising in antique lace, with past auctions including the notable collections of Pat Earnshaw and Enid Purvis.