Galleries & Displays

Set over two floors, our unique display galleries contain ever-changing displays of highlights from the saleroom

THE GALLERIES

An ever-changing array of fascinating art and antiques

Tennants Auctioneers is privileged to handle a diverse range of art, antiques and rare and beautiful objects with a rich history. From large private Country House collections to exquisite 18th century costume, colourful Moorcroft pottery to vintage toys and train sets, we have the opportunity to display many fascinating objects for visitors to enjoy before they once more return to a private collection and away from public sight.

Open seven days a week, the Galleries are free for all to enjoy.

Your Collection

A unique facility

Our state of the art display galleries allow us to showcase your items and collections ahead of sale and to promote the many fascinating, rare and beautiful objects we are privileged to handle.

To discuss exhibiting your collection ahead of sale at Tennants, please speak to your valuer or specialist.

CIJ Alfa Romeo P2

LOAN DISPLAY

On View Until 31st May

We are delighted to have been loaned by a private collector this extraordinary collection of CIJ Alfa Romeo P2 tinplate toy cars and related Automobilia for display.

If one were to survey toy collectors to name the ‘Best Toy Ever’ it is a near certainty that the P2 Alfa Romeo would be the runaway winner. It has everything. Quite apart from its stylish looks and how it evokes the spirit of inter-war Grand Prix racing, as a piece of miniature toy engineering it has few equals. Every detail has been included - bonnet louvres, three filler caps, suspension, external exhaust pipe, working steering wheel, take off wheels and, of course, a powerful spring motor to allow these to actually be raced.

This collection of 20 models is possibly the largest in the country and certainly would hold its own against any in the world. The most noticeable feature is the variety of colours that the models were produced in. These are the Racing Colours of various nations - the famous Silver Arrows, Bleu de France, Rosso Corsa, British Racing Green etc. No-one has yet compiled a definitive list of all the variations possible. Italian Red is naturally the most common, the prototype vehicle being a native to the country.

Display Highlights

Automobilia
An interesting selection of Automobilia is on display ahead of the Motor Vehicle and Automobilia Sale on Sunday 12^th May. Included in the display are a fine vintage Louis Vuitton motor trunk and a selection of Shell Petrol Pump Glass Globes.
Watches & Jewellery
Collectable vintage and modern watches are on display along with a selection of affordable jewellery due to be sold in the Jewellery, Watches & Silver Sale on 6^th April. Included in the display is a private collection of unusual pocket watches from the 17^th to 19^th century.
Country House & Summer Fine Art Sale
Furniture, antiques and paintings from the forthcoming Country House Sale in April and the Summer Fine Art Sale in July.
Vintage Quilts and Samplers
Three lovely antique quilts from a large private collection are on display alongside a small private collection of samplers, both of which will be sold in the next Costume, Accessories and Textiles Sale on 18^th May.
The Housden Collection of Taxidermy
Part of an important collection of fine Victorian taxidermy, collected by the late Bruce Housden, including examples by Rowland Ward, Peter Spicer and Henry Ward. The collection will be sold in Natural History Sales throughout 2019, with the first part being sold in the Natural History & Taxidermy Sale on 14^th June.
Costume, Accessories & Textiles
Luxury accessories are always in demand at auction, and a selection of designer handbags are now on display ahead of their sale in May. With Louis Vuitton luggage, Chanel and Gucci Handbags along with two iconic Burberry coats.
Country House Silver
The Country House Sale is always a very popular event in Tennants’ sale calendar, and the sale on 27^th April will include a good selection of Silver – now on display.
A Loan Display of CIJ P2s
We are delighted to have been loaned by a Private Collector an exceptional collection of CIJ Alfa Romeo P2 tinplate toy cars and related Automobilia for display. The collection can be viewed in a cabinet in our lower gallery and is a must see for all toy and motoring enthusiasts. On display until 31^st May.