Antique apothecary collection is perfect prescription
The UK’s largest private collection of antique apothecary objects is set to go under the hammer in the Cotswolds in June.
The Cotswold Auction Company is about to enter a magical world of pills, potions, and weird and wonderful remedies, encompassing all manner of fascinating pharmaceutical objects – many from the early Georgian to late Victorian period.
The collection has been amassed by professor of health economics, Darrin Baines, over several decades.
It became a labour of love as he crammed his early Victorian townhouse full to the brim with curiosities – all antique apothecary objects – transforming it into an immersive environment for his research into the evolution of pharmacy.
Darrin said: “Writing about the history of pharmacy, I began to collect pharmaceutical objects – from early Georgian pharmacy bottles through to things from the Victorian age – because it gave me an understanding of how the profession evolved.
“Every object tells a story, and each is a witness to the past – I wanted to immerse myself in that.”
The sale of his apothecary collection is due to a house move, with his home in Etnam Street, Leominster, Herefordshire now sold.
The collection features a complete pharmacist’s shop from circa 1880, a large mahogany display cabinet with a unique glass advertising label reading ‘Proprietor of Hackett’s Glycerine of Roses Vegetable Pills Blood Purifier &c’, a large quantity of apothecary drawers and jars, and two large mortar and pestles.
Other highlights include a rare glass hanging carboy from circa 1890, numerous glass pharmacy signs, and a near complete set of ‘Chemist and Druggist’ books spanning the period 1853 to 2015 – one of only two in the world.
Auctioneer Lindsey Braune said: “It is a great privilege to be auctioning Professor Baines’ collection, which is truly remarkable.
“This was clearly a labour of love, and we hope these fascinating objects find an equally loving new home.”
She added: “The collection is so extensive it is occupying a large section of our Cirencester saleroom, which will be open for viewing in the days before the auction.”
The Cotswold Auction Company sale, of which the apothecary collection forms the centrepiece, will take place on June 24-25.