Bed spread

Wimbledon Auctions has secured a consignment of works from the Greenwich mansion of the late Ann Broadbent, a well-known local eccentric who rose to fame when House of Hackney made a short documentary on her and her house seven years ago.

More suited to the wall than the bed and more a piece of social history than a functional textile, this 19th century appliqué felt coverlet reaped the rewards when it sold for £24,000 (plus premium) at Kerry Taylor auctions in association with Sotheby's on June 26.

Two very different 19th century bedspreads at Hampton & Littlewood's (15% buyer's premium) July 28 sale underlined Christopher Hampton’s belief that the importance of collectables today cannot be over-emphasised.