A collection of tiny French wooden sabot (clogs) - that were once worn by children working in the field. Hand carved and with a lovely bleached patina, some also have hob-nails attached underneath. They are all singles, no pairs, and they are by no means perfect: some contain nibbles to the edges of the wood here and there, plus there's some historic woodworm holes, yet we can forgive them that, as they are so cute and endearing. They once stood on the floor of the inglenook fireplace in the middle parlour of the Tudor House, Hastings.... in a neat little row, ready for the visiting elves.

We are selling the four together.

Provenance: The Tudor House, Old Town Hastings, UK

Country of origin: France

Date of manufacture: c.1900

Material: wood

Dimensions of largest: Length 18cm  / Width 7cm

Condition: see first paragraph above.

The Christmas House

The Tudor House, Hastings, also known as The Christmas House, when it opened to visitors each December, had a place in the hearts of the many that passed through its wee front door.  It was a magical experience, and was likened to stepping into a Brothers Grimm fairytale.  The house is now sold and has passed into memory, yet its magical contents are not quite gone, as Alastair has saved the best for last - for our extra-special Christmas House Contents Sale.

The eclectic mix of primitive Eastern European furniture, English country furniture, folk-art and Black Forest antiques chosen for the house were honest and humble, yet always remarkable, and put together with a sense of theatre - to achieve a more contemporary take on the past.  “It’s all about a careful mix, a telling of a story, and I hope others will find pleasure in the treasures I’ve collected and curated” says Alastair.  “Select pieces that create surprise, that transform your space beyond reality!”