Today was very interesting for all those who love Queen Anne Walnut furniture- I certainly count myself as one of them!

It was the day of the 'Parry 11' auction at Christie's.

It is now a long time since Parry 1 in April 1997 which was the first sale of the collection of one John Parry, a property developer from Wales, who had developed a love for Queen Anne furniture in the 80's and 90's.  John had taken advice from everyone he could, and in particualar had formed a relationship with Peter Holmes, an expert restorer, who helped to conserve the pieces John bought.  The result of this collaboration was that John learned the importance of colour and patination, and total originality.  He tried to only buy pieces that were untouched, that Peter could bring back to their former glory.  Where they say location, location, location, in property, you say colour, colour, colour, in Queen Anne walnut.  Anyway 'Parry 1' was a spectacular success, and world record prices were set for outstanding little pieces of walnut, particularly chests of drawers.  These prices were a yardstick for similar pieces for years- until now in fact!

'Parry 11' has done the same again.  Little chests that might have made £25-35000 in 1997, have today made £60-80000, showing that far from being out of fashion, the best early English walnut furniture is still as desirable as ever.  Anyone who viewed this sale will attest to the absolute beauty of the pieces.

What is also interesting is that all the pieces sold today have been bought since 1997, some of them quite recently, and almost all of them showed John a healthy profit over cost when they sold today.  The lesson is that if you buy with care, and you can with our help, it is absolutely possible that your collection could prove a highly worth while investment, whilst at the same time giving you huge pleasure in your home....and providing you with somewhere to put your socks!!

This one made £97250 including premium- Lovely!