Rare Derbyshire Blue John pieces to go on show in Buxton

What is believed to be Britain’s largest auction of rare Derbyshire Blue John pieces will be previewed in Buxton tomorrow (Friday).
By The Newsroom
Published 24th Sep 2015, 14:53 BST
Peter Harrison from Treak Cliff Cavern examines a Blue John goblet, one of over 250 Blue John ornaments to be auctioned on October 5.Peter Harrison from Treak Cliff Cavern examines a Blue John goblet, one of over 250 Blue John ornaments to be auctioned on October 5.
Peter Harrison from Treak Cliff Cavern examines a Blue John goblet, one of over 250 Blue John ornaments to be auctioned on October 5.

Over 250 Blue John items can be viewed at the spa town’s Old Hall Hotel between 12pm and 8pm, before going on display at Fellows saleroom in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter prior to the auction on Monday October 5.

The collection features a wide range of objects from small bowls to large neo-classical vases, cups and trinkets estimated at between £30 and £30,000.

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A highlight of the sale is expected to be a late 18th century ormolu-mounted Blue John urn, attributed to Matthew Boulton.

The Blue John collection.The Blue John collection.
The Blue John collection.

The auctioneers turned to experts at Treak Cliff Cavern in Castleton to help piece together the history of the lots and the particular vein of Blue John each has been carved form.

Peter Harrison, who took over Treak Cliff Cavern in the 1940s, said: “Rarely will you see such a significant collection of historic Blue John ornaments in one place.

“It’s been a real privilege to examine the lots and fantastic to find some items amongst them that I recognise as having been created here at Treak Cliff Cavern more than 50 years ago.”

For details about the auction, visit www.fellows.co.uk or email [email protected].

Related topics:BuxtonBritainBirmingham