MEMENTOS OF MEMORABLE RECENT ROYAL HISTORIC EVENTS COME TO AUCTION
Dore & Rees is pleased to offer three pieces of royal interest in their forthcoming Select Interiors auction. The items are linked to Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer and come from the collection of the late Nigel Ricketts (1959-2022), a cabinet maker and furniture restorer, employed by the royal household at Windsor Castle between 1980-1985.
The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 marked the start of a 70 year reign for the much loved monarch, the depth of affection for her has been witnessed around the country in recent weeks since her passing on 8th September. For passionate collectors, this is a rare opportunity to acquire one of the 150 copies of the Form and Order of the Service and the Music sung in the Abbey Church of St Peter, Westminster, on Queen Elizabeth’s coronation day, 2nd June 1953. Presented in a beautiful red leather and gilt bound volume, it is in mint condition, numbered copy 93, and will be offered at an estimate of £300 - £500.
Another memorable moment in recent royal history was the marriage of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, who went on to become widely known as the Queen of Hearts. The fairy-tale royal wedding service took place at St Paul’s Cathedral and was watched by millions around the world. The collection includes a piece of wedding cake from Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer wedding day 29 July 1981, in a presentation box, it will be offered at an estimate of £200-£300.
Nigel Ricketts was part of the royal household team that gifted a table in celebration of the marriage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana. Prince Charles wrote personally to thank them all, saying ‘Could you please pass on our warmest and most appreciative thanks to all the members of her Majesty’s household for that magnificent table you have given us. Diana and I are touched beyond words that you should have gone to so much trouble to find something so eminently useful and I can assure you that we will treasure it in whichever house it finally comes to rest! Thank you all more than we can possibly say – for so many things….Charles’. The handwritten letter is offered at an estimate of £100-£150.
Lee Young, Managing Director comments: “Nigel Ricketts was clearly fondly regarded by the royal family during the time he spent working at Windsor. It is rare to find three such highly sought after items of royal interest in one collection. The high regard and popular appeal of the royal family is wide reaching, we are anticipating interest from around the world and an exciting auction day.”
The Nigel Ricketts Collection will be featured in our Autumn Select Interiors auction on October 19th.
SELECT INTERIORS
19 October
10:30am
Viewing
Monday 17 October 10am to 4pm
Tuesday 18 October 10am to 4pm