Rooms were famously described as being “papered with pictures”, where watercolours, oils, sketches and decorative works filled every wall. Nothing was overly formal or restrained. Instead, the house reflected an instinctive approach to collecting: personal, fearless, and deeply engaged with colour, texture and narrative.

Lady Amabel Lindsay, often remembered simply as “colourful” by those who knew her, brought an unmistakable vibrancy to every aspect of domestic life. Her approach to interiors was intuitive rather than studied, defined by confidence in juxtaposition and an absence of hesitation. Long before maximalism returned to contemporary taste, the Lindsays were living it fully and unapologetically.

Their testimonies evoke a home that was never static. Lansdowne Road is remembered as a vibrant social centre, a place where gatherings brought together artists, writers, designers and friends from across generations. Guests recall evenings of extraordinary warmth and informality, where conversation, art and humour flowed freely.

Patrick Lindsay is remembered as charismatic, adventurous and mischievous, with an infectious enthusiasm for people and life itself. Together, the couple created an environment that rejected social rigidity in favour of openness, hospitality and delight in the unexpected.

The collection presented in this sale reflects that same philosophy. Works of art, furniture and decorative objects were not acquired as trophies, but as part of a lived environment, pieces chosen for pleasure, memory and atmosphere. The result is a collection of remarkable authenticity: layered, eclectic and unmistakably personal.

Today, as contemporary collecting increasingly embraces expressive interiors and individualised taste, the legacy of Patrick and Lady Amabel Lindsay feels especially prescient. Their approach anticipated a renewed appreciation for maximalism, not as excess, but as a confident celebration of life, art and memory.

View Page Turning Catalogue

Auction Details

Tuesday 2 June 2026, 10.30am BST
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

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Viewing Information:

Viewing at Dreweatts London (highlights): 16-17 Pall Mall, St James’s, London SW1Y 5LU

• Wednesday 13 May: 10am-4pm
• Thursday 14 May: 10am-4pm
• Friday 15 May: 10am-4pm
• Monday 18 May: 10am-4pm
• Tuesday 19 May: 10am-4pm
• Wednesday 20 May: 10am-7pm
• Thursday 21 May: 10am-4pm

Viewing at Dreweatts Newbury (full sale): Donnington Priory, Newbury RG14 2JE:

• Friday 29 May: 10am-4pm
• Saturday 30 May: 10am-3pm
• Sunday 31 May: 10am-3pm
• Monday 1 June: 10am-4pm

Further Information:

General enquiries: + 44 (0) 1635 553 553 | housesales@dreweatts.com
Press enquiries: press@dreweatts.com