Haddonstone designs make a big
profit at Sotheby’s
In a recent auction at Sotheby’s, four charming
yet seemingly ordinary 20th century stone planters went
under the hammer for over £5,000. But there is a
twist. The pieces were manufactured by Haddonstone and
are still made by the company today, selling for the modest
sum of £58 each.
In today’s uncertain market, this may provide just
the opportunity that investors are looking for…
The
Plaited Basket design forms part of the extensive collection
by Haddonstone, renowned manufacturers of quality garden
ornaments in cast stone. All Haddonstone designs are created
by hand casting a special form of reconstructed limestone
into moulds at the company’s manufactory near Northampton.
In this way Haddonstone can create a huge variety of different
shapes from bird baths and planters to fountains and balustrading.
The technique is a cost effective alternative to the centuries-old
tradition of carving stone, but produces a result that
has fooled many experts over the years.
New Haddonstone pieces, in common with traditional carved
stone, have a bright, clean appearance. But after only
a couple of years outside they begin to acquire a patina,
giving the stone a ‘weathered’ look. Natural
stone can weather much more slowly. The Sotheby’s
pieces are estimated to be around 15 years old, but look
remarkably like much older natural stone.
This weathered look is attractive to buyers, who often
prefer their pieces to be ‘aged’ and are consequently
prepared to pay a premium at auction. And this is not
the first time this has happened. In 1989 four similar
Plaited Baskets, made ten years previously, were sold
for £1000. At the time they retailed at only £36.50
each.
Haddonstone’s
Plaited Baskets are not the only designs proving to be
good investments. In a sale at Diss auctioneers Gaze &
Son, a pair of “well weathered” Gothic Urns
with Bases, identified as Haddonstone products, sold for
£1400. Available new for £250.00 each, this
sale generated an impressive profit for the client.
Although Haddonstone can begin to weather in a fraction
of the time it takes natural stone, the effect can be
achieved even more quickly with New StoneAge. This unique
liquid from Haddonstone dyes the stone’s surface
and achieves a weathered look in minutes.
To look at Haddonstone’s extensive range, visit
www.haddonstone.co.uk or call 01604 770711 to request
a brochure.
The
Plaited Basket design forms part of the extensive collection
by Haddonstone, renowned manufacturers of quality garden
ornaments in cast stone. All Haddonstone designs are created
by hand casting a special form of reconstructed limestone
into moulds at the company’s manufactory near Northampton.
In this way Haddonstone can create a huge variety of different
shapes from bird baths and planters to fountains and balustrading.
The technique is a cost effective alternative to the centuries-old
tradition of carving stone, but produces a result that
has fooled many experts over the years. 
Haddonstone’s
Plaited Baskets are not the only designs proving to be
good investments. In a sale at Diss auctioneers Gaze &
Son, a pair of “well weathered” Gothic Urns
with Bases, identified as Haddonstone products, sold for
£1400. Available new for £250.00 each, this
sale generated an impressive profit for the client.