Pictured above: "The wooden turn a symbol of the 'enclosed
life' of the Poor Clares"
A selection of interesting and artistic items will be going
under the hammer on the 1st April at Midlands auction house, Biddle
& Webb which may appeal to those collectors with a fascination
for religious history.
Biddle & Webb's April picture and antiques sale include
items such as furniture and paintings that once graced the interior
of the Monastery of Poor Clares at Baddesley Clinton, Knowle,
Warwickshire.
The Poor Clare Community has been in Baddesley Clinton for over
160 years. A group of six sisters first arrived there in 1850 from
the medieval city of Bruges. Sadly after a 'long struggle' the
decision was made to close the convent's doors back in
January.
Among the items of interest is a large Victorian dining room
table, a linen press and a very unusual wooden turn, as well as
other pieces of furniture from pine cabinets to benches and
stools.
The Reverend Mother Abbess, Sister Felicity said: "Naturally the
auction items hold very precious memories for us as well as marking
the final chapter of the convent's closure. However, it also
reminds us of the kindness and support we have received over the
years from so many people."
"The proceeds of the auction will go to help the sisters to
relocate which is all part of our journey. It is also comforting to
think that people will come to the sale and, hopefully, find
something that they can keep as a memento.
"The wooden turn for example, was used as a means by which goods
were passed from the outside world into the nuns inside the
enclosure. In many respects this single item is the greatest symbol
of the 'enclosed life' and of the nuns' separation from the world."
Also included in the sale are three large oils on canvas,
painted by 19th century artist Rebecca Dering, the wife of the
local squire who lived at the medieval Baddesley Clinton Manor.
The artist was well known for using her husband as a model in
her pictures. There is one painting entitled 'The Squire of
Baddesley' which depicts the historic manor house in the
background. The other two canvases are of religious scenes, one of
which portrays the squire as a Catholic Martyr.
Biddle & Webb's managing director, Jeremy Thornton is
confidently optimistic that the sale and its contents will generate
a great deal of interest.
He says;"I think that the sale will attract a lot of people from
collectors, dealers and from some of the people that have supported
the convent over the years. We are hoping that it will be a popular
event given to both the religious and historical connections
associated with Baddesley Clinton and the impeccable provenance,
uniqueness and beauty of the items for sale."
For more information on Biddle and Webb please visit their
website here: www.biddleandwebb.co.uk