A large and very handsome soft leather mat with lovely time-worn patina, converted from a 1930s gym mat. The back is cloth covered and inside there is slim fill of padding, making it extra soft to walk upon. It has some historic marks and stains across the leather, stitch holes along its edges, plus a sewn repair at one corner, yet this only adds to its beauty. It was once in the top floor bedroom of The Tudor House, alongside the box beds - see last image.

Provenance: The Tudor House, Old Town Hastings, UK

Country of origin: UK

Date of manufacture: c.1930

Material: leather and fabric

Dimensions: Length 183cm  / Width 124cm

Condition: good - and as described 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!”