Amazed by collector’s paradise hidden inside 16th century Cheshire cottage

Sometimes you walk into a home and immediately feel mesmerised – such is the feast of antiques and curios on display.

Your eyes flit from one object to another as you try to take it all in. A lifetime of treasures fills every nook and cranny, all accumulated with a collector’s passion.

Such was the case when I strolled into a Cheshire country cottage packed to its beamed ceilings with wonders galore, both modernist and antique. There was too much to take in at first glance –ornaments, vases, plaques, paintings, statues, furniture and figurines assailed my eyes.

Everything was compellingly different – antique and contemporary - but all gelled together in a vibrant mix of curios through the centuries.

I particularly admired an outstanding pair of centuries-old Italian gilded iron wall sconce candelabra, circa 1770-90. They were acquired from the estate of English actor the late Sir Christopher Lee (19222015), best known for his role as Count Dracula in Hammer Horror films.

The 250-year-old candelabra are worthy of starring in a movie themselves. They are in stunning original order. The three-sconce candelabra was regarded almost as a revolution in the illumination of large rooms. This pair may be Venetian. From candelabra that held flickering candles centuries ago, a glance to my left took me back to the future. On display was a contemporary object by creative powerhouse Tom Dixon, founder of British designer brand Tom Dixon.

His ingenuity emerges in the curvaceous structure of a purple modernist bowl.

However, such is the eclectic mix I am soon stepping back in time again to admire a Delft dish featuring King William of Orange (1650-1702). Delftware or Delft pottery is a term used for Dutch tin-glazed earthenware, a form of faience. Most of it is blue and white pottery, and the city of Delft in the Netherlands was the major production centre. However, the term covers wares with other colours made elsewhere. The style originated around 1600 and the most highly regarded period of production spans 1640-1740. Completely different yet again, a rather sombre curio is a small coffin plaque engraved with the words, ‘J Young Undertaker’. Perhaps it was displayed in the undertaker’s office years ago. Unusual ceramics abound, too, and include a fearsome lion, one paw resting on a balllike object.

The items will be offered in Hansons’

January 9 Fine and Contemporary Art Auction. Entries invited for forthcoming sales. To arrange a free valuation or home visit in Cheshire, email service@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk or call 01283 733988.

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