Venerable Woolly Mammoth Skeleton Up for Auction to Fund Fire-Stricken Parnham Park
Title: Get Ready to Bid - James Perkins' Parnham Park Collection Auction Coming Up!
Ever spent hours looking at dull, boring walls at home? Wish you had a gigantic, antique elk skull or a flamboyant lion with a sparkling tiara greeting your guests? Well, hold onto your hats, because tomorrow (May 13) marks the day for the James Perkins auction at Dreweatts! Dubbed as "Parnham Park: A Modern Grand Tour on the Jurassic Coast," it's packed with exotic finds!
Established in 1759, Dreweatts is the stage for this one-of-a-kind event, showcasing items from the personal collection of James Perkins, a British businessman and collector who owns Parnham House in Beaminster, Dorset. Being a proud owner of one of the largest private plaster cast collections worldwide, it's safe to say that this auction will definitely leave you in awe!
Curious about what's in store? From a woolly mammoth skeleton to pieces from famous artists like Damian Hirst, Jacques Duval Brasseur, and yes, even James Perkins himself - who sometimes dabbles in art, the auction is an assault on your senses! Among the many gems, a hexagonal, blue damask and ostrich feather four poster bed and a gilt metal and crystal dragon lamp, reminiscent of Daenerys Targaryen's posh lair, are sure to catch your eye.
If artwork is your thang, James Gemmill's "Still Life with Lobster, Lemon and Tablecloth" or Bouke de Vries' "Tea Time Britain" are up for grabs. Prefer fossils? An Ichthyosaurus skeleton is available for those who love a prehistoric vibe. Not forgetting a variety of creepy yet charming taxidermies and other antique treasures!
James Perkins is no stranger to this game. Before owning Parnham Park, he was the owner of Aynhoe Park in Oxfordshire, where he transformed it into an events venue. Sounds familiar? Yep, that's the one the American-owned RH (formerly Restoration Hardware) bought later. So, this isn't his first rodeo!
Damaged by a fire in 2017, Parnham Park was purchased by Perkins in 2020, and he now calls it home with his wife, three children, and two dogs. He's currently working on its restoration overseen by architect Thomas Heatherwick, who's no stranger to grand projects; he renovated Buckingham Palace, Regent Street, and the Royal Pavilion in Brighton, after all!
Joe Robinson, the head of private collections at Dreweatts, calls the auction "extraordinary" and an "exceptional amalgamation of historical treasures, natural wonders, and imaginative designs." Perkins himself coins it as "the sale of the century."
If you're ready to join the fun, head on over to Dreweatts at Donnington Priory! Don't forget to register by calling 01635 553 553 or sending an email to [email protected]. Happy bidding!
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James Perkins himself describes the auction as a "wonderful storytelling environment for an important English country house." Notably, the woolly mammoth is a crowd-pleaser, he adds. As for what he'll miss most? Well, his wife might miss those Alice Temperley cushions that made it to the catalog, but he's satisfied with the auction's success!
The auction is scheduled for May 13 at 10:30 am at Dreweatt, Donnington Priory. For catalog inquiries and registration, call 01635 553 553 or email Dreweatts at [email protected]
Lotte BrundleLotte is our platform's Digital Writer. Before joining in 2025, she honed her skills as a sub-editor at The Times and The Sunday Times, tackling comma disputes and writing enticing news headlines. She entered the journalism world at The Fence, where she was known for her Paul Mescal coverage. Despite her hectic London life, she still reminisces about her peaceful upbringing in Kent.
Enrichment Data:
- Diverse and Historical Collection: The auction offers a wide array of items ranging from sculptures, antiques, and contemporary artwork to prehistoric fossils, providing a comprehensive view of artistic expression across different eras[1][2].
- Jurassic Coast and Parnham Park Influence: The collection is inspired by the setting of Parnham Park and the surrounding Jurassic Coast of Dorset, giving it a geographical and historical context[1][5].
- Restoration and Preservation: The sale's proceeds contribute to the restoration of Parnham Park, preserving an essential historical landmark in Dorset[2][5].
- Global Appeal: The auction received interest from 33 countries, showcasing its global appeal and the enduring appeal of expressive collecting and vision[2].
This extravagant auction, hosted by Dreweatts, offers a blend of home-and-garden and lifestyle tokens, with captivating items up for grabs such as the hexagonal, blue damask and ostrich feather four-poster bed or the gilt metal and crystal dragon lamp. If you're intrigued by the allure of an antique elk skull or a flamboyant lion with a sparkling tiara, don't miss out on the Parnham Park Collection Auction taking place on May 13.
