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Auction Results | Constructing a Legacy: The Collection of Sir William & Lady McAlpine | 12 August 2026
On Wednesday 12 August, Dreweatts was pleased to offer the eclectic collection of Sir William and Lady McAlpine in Constructing a Legacy. The sale proved a compelling opportunity for collectors, which was reflected in the results as the sale totalled £947,000, 190% of the pre-sale estimate, with a 93% sell-through rate.
Drawn from the family home at Fawley Hill in Buckinghamshire, the collection reflected Sir William’s lifelong passion for engineering and the McAlpine family’s remarkable contribution to Britain’s industrial heritage. Many historic objects in the collection had been saved from destruction through Sir William’s intervention. These sat alongside a distinctive selection of art, furniture and decorative works.
Among the highlights there was a selection of Gerald Benney silver and Royal Copenhagen Flora Danica porcelain; as well as works by British artists Terence Cuneo and David Shepherd; and historic transport ephemera. Together these items offered a fascinating insight into the extraordinary taste and legacy of Sir William and Lady McAlpine.
Commenting on the results, Joe Robinson, Head of House Sales and Private Collections, said, "The response to The McAlpine Collection has been a fitting testament to the extraordinary breadth, provenance and character of the collection. Alongside items of great heritage appeal, the collection’s art, furniture and decorative works offered a fascinating portrait of one of Britain’s most distinctive country houses and the eclectic taste of Sir William and Lady McAlpine. The results have highlighted the enduring appeal of their approach to collecting, bringing together industrial history, craftsmanship and a distinctly British sense of individuality and eccentricity.”
Auction Highlights
In Conversation with Lady McAlpine
In the lead up to the auction, we were fortunate to sit down with Lady McAlpine for an exclusive interview. Here she was able to share more about the evolution of their home and their unique approach to collecting.
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Art & Interiors
03 September 2026, 10:30 AM
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