15th September 2003

Going Going Gone! Auction Success for SSE

Two auction sales featuring items donated by Stop Stansted Expansion supporters raised over £9,000 for the campaign last week (9 and 11 September).

Hosted by Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers in Stansted Mountfitchet, the best selling pieces were a watercolour by Michael Rothenstein (£850), a Royal Doulton ‘Windflower’ figure (£700), an 18th century oak wardrobe (£600) and a pair of Bow mugs c.1755 (£360).

Other highlights included a watercolour by John MacWhirter RA (£320), a Victorian rosewood and walnut chiffonier (£220), a 1953 Gordon Russell walnut dining suite (£170) and a 19th Century needlework sampler (£120).

The PD James signed first edition of ‘Death in Holy Orders’ along with three pages of original manuscript corrected by the author was sold for £160.

Sworders did not charge a Sellers Premium for the SSE items and is donating the 15% Buyers Premium to SSE.

Peter Riding from Stop Stansted Expansion’s Executive Committee who organised the auctions was delighted with the result:  “This is a very valuable boost to campaign funds and the support we received for the auctions from donors, buyers and Sworders is greatly appreciated.  The funds will be put to good use in continuing to oppose the threat which this region faces from airport expansion.”

Campaigning to ensure Stansted Airport's authorised operations stay below harmful limits