Renowned antique textiles dealer’s collection to sell

Renowned dealer in antique textiles Peta Smyth is to sell the contents of her popular West London shop, plus items from her personal collection, as part of the Collections sale at Bonhams on March 21.

Peta has been dealing in antique textiles since 1976 and has now taken the decision to retire after 45 years in the trade. Her shop at 42 Moreton Street in Pimlico has become renowned for its extensive array of fine textiles – attracting a loyal and diverse clientele of interior designers, antiques dealers and collectors.

The diverse selection on offer in the upcoming sale will include tapestries, needlework for antique furniture, silk brocades, embroidery, appliquéd and printed textiles, curtains and smaller decorative pieces such as cushions, braids and fringes, with a particular emphasis on European textiles of the 16th century through to the 19th century.

Charlie Thomas, Bonhams Group Head of Private Collections, Furniture & Works of Art, UK, commented: “Peta Smyth has long been the go-to name when it comes to antique textiles and her popular Pimlico shop has provided inspiration for countless interior designers and collectors. This exclusive sale at Bonhams will be the final chance to acquire pieces from her impeccably curated selection of fine textiles, including items from her impressive personal collection. We are sure it will to entice those new to fine textiles and seeking inspiration, as well as established interior design connoisseurs.”

In his catalogue foreword, the renowned interior designer Alidad commented: “Going into the shop was like entering a kind of heaven. In no other place I knew could one be sure to find just the kind of selection of European textiles and tapestries, dating from the sixteenth to the nineteenth centuries, which could be guaranteed to inspire ideas; and nowhere else could one have found anyone as sympathetic and patient and generous with her knowledge as Peta.”

Throughout her career, Peta has worked with some illustrious names in interior design, including Nicky Haslam, Alidad and Emma Burns of Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler.