News & Insights

The David & Hilary Hide Collection of Treen and Metalware

22nd February 2024.

An extraordinary collection of Treen and Metalware, put together over many years by David and Hilary Hide, will be sold in the Country House Sale at Tennants Auctioneers on 18th May. The Hides, who lived in the North of England, had a fascination for British vernacular objects and developed a deep knowledge of their subject. Not only did they appreciate these pleasingly tactile wooden and metal objects for their aesthetic qualities and their craftsmanship, but the hidden histories they represented, and insights into long forgotten aspects everyday domestic life for which they were used.

A Pair of George III Carved and Turned Mahogany Candlesticks, with a pair of Olive Wood Brighton Bun Travelling Candlesticks
A George III Turned Mahogany Wig Stand, with salve and powder boxes
Group of George III Mahogany Cats
A Coconut Bugbear Flask, 19th Century, with two similar examples
A Toleware Spice Box, Mid 19th Century, and two similar examples
A Treen Lignum Vitae Mortar, 18th Century, with a similar hardwood pestle
A Fruitwood Treen Egg Stand and Six Cups, Early 19th Century, with further egg cups and pepperettes
A Treen Vesta Box, Early 19th Century, with two similar snuff boxes
A Turned Treen Nutmeg Grater, 19th Century, and further kitchen implements
A Turned Treen Ounce Pot, 19th Century, with accompanying items
A Leather Working Tool by J. Dixon, with further small implements
Sail and Ropemaking Tools, 19th Century

The majority of the collection dates from the 19th century, with a few earlier examples dating from the 18th century. The Hides collected from auctioneers and dealers, focusing on the North of England, especially the Yorkshire Dales, the Lake District and Northumberland, as well as the Cotswolds. Aware that such items rarely came with provenance, they chose to buy objects close to where they were made.

The Hides shared their enthusiasm, but each had their own speciality, with David becoming an expert on domestic ironwork and Hilary on 'pre-plastic' kitchen and household items. In particular, she loved small insignificant items such as clothes pegs, which were rarely kept and saved.

The extensive collection will be sold in fifty lots. Highlights of the collection include an 18^th Century Treen Lignum Vitae Mortar with similar hardwood pestle (estimate: £300-500 all figures exclude buyer’s premium), a Pair of George III Carved and Turned Mahogany Candlesticks sold with a Pair of Olive Wood Brighton Bun Travelling Candlesticks (estimate: £150-250), and a group of three George III Mahogany Cats or plate stands (estimate: £100-150). Also of interest are a group of three Mid-19^th Century Toleware Spice Boxes (Estimate: £80-120), and a group of Lignum Vitae Treen String Boxes from the 19^th Century (estimate: £100-150).

Further fascinating objects include rope and sailmaker’s tools, pastry jiggers, apple corers, lace crimpers, and glove stretchers. Much of the collection is currently on display in Tennants’ Garden Rooms gallery.

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