Sparkling result for vintage Christmas tree

Steve Rose with his vintage tree and decorations
credit: Hansons

A vintage Christmas tree from the 1930s has sold at auction in Derbyshire, with the seller donating all the proceeds to the homeless.

Steve Rose, 74, decided to part with the tree he’d watched his mother decorate as a small boy as he had no children to leave it to.

Then, after a whirlwind few weeks of national and local press and radio interviews, and even an appearance on BBC’s The One Show sparked by his humble Christmas story, Steve decided any money made from the sale at Hansons Auctioneers should go to a good cause.

“I’ve got a nice house, I don’t need anything,” said Mr Rose, from Syston, Leicestershire. “I don’t like seeing people on the streets, especially at Christmas. So, I’ve decided to give the money to The Greater Manchester Mayor’s Homelessness Fund.

The tree, together with Mr Rose’s vintage baubles and Pifco Christmas tree lights, sold for £280 to a private UK buyer, London-based artist Eloise Moody, 36, after she read stories about the tree online.

She said: “I am working on an Arts Council England-funded project with Metal in Peterborough called Remember Me which is all about belongings of significance owned by people who are last in the family line. Mr Rose had no one to pass his tree on to.

“The tree will form part of the collection of other people’s memories that would otherwise become lost. These objects will eventually go on display in Peterborough.”

Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “It’s a wonderful story and a wonderful tree. We’re delighted Mr Rose has decided to donate the money from its sale to a fantastic homeless charity – his Christmas spirit and kindness shine bright.

“It’s great news that the tree is set to go on public view as part of an art installation. Other people will be able to see and enjoy this piece of festive history.”

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