'The Haining' auction achieves fantastic sales...

The unique auction that took place on the 19th of July attracted a lot of attention from keen bidders. The sale of the contents of one of Scotland's most beautiful historic mansions, which included rare paintings, period furniture and valuable objects d’art, raised over £100,000. 

McTear's were extremely excited to to be the auctioneers to hold the sale of the contents of the Palladian mansion; The Haining, an impressive Borders estate with its own loch. What made this auction even more exciting and unique was that it was filmed by the producers of The Antiques Roadshow who are making a new prime time series for BBC that will include exclusive behind the scenes footage covering every aspect of the auction process.

Have a look at our very own video that takes a look around the stunning home:

Highlights of the 200 lot auction included: a painting by Charles Oppenheimer, of his house in Kirkcudbright, that sold for £19,000; an eighteenth century marble console table was purchased for £9,300 – almost ten times the original estimate; and a painting of The Deposition by Renaissance artist Vincenzo Corsi which was snapped up for £3400.

With half of the proceeds going to The Haining Charitable Trust, the success of the auction will be sure to help fulfil the wish to open a history room in the Haining and also future use of it as a creative arts hub and a catering kitchen. Commenting on the one off event, Brian Clements of McTear’s said: “There was an incredible turnout at the auction with fierce bidding for just about every lot. The Haining Charitable Trust, who are to receive half the proceeds from this auction, is doing some fantastic work and I am delighted that the sale has raised a significant sum to help in the creation of an important cultural centre in the Borders.” 

For a full overview of what exclusive items sold in this auction have a look at 'The Haining' results. 

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An Exciting Week to End July...

Next week at McTear's we have a lot in store to finish July on a high. On Thursday the 26th of July we have a very busy and exciting day planned.

The auctioneers will be extremely busy with three auctions taking part throughout the day.

Starting off at 12.00pm, we have our Victorian, Edwardian and Scottish Jewellery auction that will feature roughly 200 items of period jewellery. Various items of unique and beautiful jewellery will be sold with a piece to hopefully suit everyone such as the ones shown below.

This fine Edwardian pearl and diamond set pendant is estimated to sell for £1000-£2000.

This Edwardian diamond set solitaire ring is estimated to sell for £4000-£5000.

This White Metal Diamond Set Brooch set with early rose cut diamonds is estimated to sell for £100-£20.

For all the Fashionistas out there we have our Decorative Arts, Design and Fashion auction at 2.00pm. This unique auction will give you the chance to view and purchase various lots of decorative arts items, as well as a large collection of vintage clothing and designer hand bags and accessories.

This 1970s wool H.Busse cream dress suit with snake skin belt and detailing is estimated to sell for £150-£250.

This Sarh Honeyman pot with cactus porcelain pot, signed and dated, is estimated to sell for £200-£400.

This Art Nouveau silver embossed purse is estimated to sell for £60-£90.

To finish the day, we have a special event: The Wine Auction. This will feature fine wines, vintage port and sherry, cognac, armagnac and Champagne, just in time for the weekend.

Remy Martin 1936 miniature very old Cognac, estimated to sell for £1000-£2000.

Chateau Leoville Las Cases 1986 Saint Julien 2eme Cru Classé, estimated to sell for £200-£240.

Moet & Chandon Salmanazar 900cl bottle, estimated to sell for £500-£600.

If you would like more information on the upcoming auctions visit our website.

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The Haining

McTear’s is thrilled to be managing the auction of the contents of the amazing Borders country house under order of the Executers of the late Andrew James Nimmo-Smith. With half of the proceeds going to The Haining Charitable Trust, this will help to fulfil the wish to open a history room in the Haining and also future use of it as a creative arts hub and a catering kitchen.

Susan Edington of The Haining Charitable Trust comments:

“The contents of the Haining were all purchased by our benefactor Andrew Nimmo-Smith. Although there are some very fine examples of artwork and antiques in the property, such as a number of watercolour paintings by Selikirk’s own ‘son’ Tom Scott, nothing in the auction was originally part of the property. All family portraits, from both Mr Nimmo-Smith’s father’s family and his mother’s family the Pringle-Pattisons are being retained at The Haining, along with items from the pageant and hunt etc and family war diaries that we hope to publish but of course keep the originals at the house. The heritage of the families will remain in the house and form the focus of the History Room. We wish for the Haining to form part of the local community, to provide fun, education and employment and not only be a regular part of the community’s lives, but also to be a come-to venue for people from further afield who will hopefully visit and use the premises thus allowing it to be retained for the purpose Mr Nimmo-Smith envisaged, that is for the Haining to be used to provide culture and recreation to the people of Selkirkshire and the wider public. It cannot be stated strongly enough that for The Haining to succeed we will require funding on an international level and we have raised in excess of £700,000 since the inception of the Trust towards these ends including an international grant of £354,000. We are on the shortlist to house the Tait Modern Artist’s rooms in 2015 and we are already working with a local group to have the Haining as the hub for an Arts Festival in September next year. We are used for arts projects at the moment and have already worked with Chance for Change, Knowepark Primary School, The Royal Scottish Academy, Borders Youth Theatre, and CABN bringing arts to The Haining.”

This auction is made even more exciting as it will be filmed by the producers of The Antiques Roadshow who are making a new prime time series for BBC, with John Foster, BBC Antiques Expert, commenting on the Haining as 'a fascinating Scottish Country House with important connections to Scottish Border history'.

From beautiful paintings to unique pieces of furniture there will be something for everyone in this special auction. If you are interested in being part of this auction, viewing will commence with a drinks reception on Saturday 14th July from 3pm till 6pm with the auction taking place on Thursday the 19th of July.

The online catalogue is also available to view on our website to allow you to see what will be going on sale.

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