Introducing Take 5 by Rachel Allen and her five highlights from the upcoming

sale of The George Farrow Collection, taking place on Tuesday 4 June.

An accomplished interior designer, Rachel is known for her striking combinations of rich textiles, well-loved antiques and warm colours. Before starting her own practice in 2020, she worked in the showrooms of the late decorating great Robert Kime, and antiques shop Jamb, had a stint as an in-house stylist for Christie’s, and freelanced as a designer for Rita Konig. Rachel’s projects currently include houses in Maine and Highgate and she was recently named as one of House & Garden's Top 25 Emerging Creative Talents.

 

Lot 159: An Italian specimen marble and micromosaic table, Attributed to Giacomo Raffaelli

I think specimen marble tabletops are the epitome of a collectors item. What a beautiful way to display a collection of stones. They appeal to the geological geek and antiques collector alike. This table is attributed to Giacomo Raffaelli, the famous 19th century Rome-based micro mosaic artist. The incredibly fine detail is astonishing. They sure don’t make them like that anymore.

 

Lot 303: A near square moulded pottery tile in the Iznik style, Qajar Tehran, Iran, c.1860

 

There have been lots of copies of Iznik tiles in recent years. You can spot an old one instantly though. They have so much more lustre. I love the stylised carnations and tulips. To see whole rooms adorned with them I thoroughly recommend a visit to Leighton House. 

Lot 306: An embroidered panel, Rescht, Southeast Persia, c.1850

I gained a love for antique textiles whilst working for Robert Kime. Most of the ones he sourced were from Central Asia. This Persian embroidered panel gets my heart racing. I like to hang embroideries on the wall so they can be seen and enjoyed. You often get more bang for your buck by using textiles as art too. This one is the perfect width to hang above a king-sized bed.

 

Lot 172: A pair of Chinese gilt-metal and cloisonné goose-form incense burners

I think this pair of cloisonné Geese are really fun - they’re mid-19th century incense burners. I’m going to bid on these. I hope this smoking pair will be living on my canal boat with me soon.

 Lot 121: A gold and polychrome enamel pocket watch, Swiss, mid-19th century

This women's little pocket watch is so pretty. The pink and black enamel stripe is very cool and I love the little blue tulips. I think this would look great worn around the neck on a chunky gold chain, or propped up on a dressing table.