Specialists In Lockdown | Alexander Hallett
By way of a little light relief, we are launching a series of brief articles under the banner Specialists in Lockdown. Find out how our valuers and experts are filling their days during the current restrictions.
The first chat is with Alexander Hallett from our Fine Interiors team, an auctioneer and valuer who has a strong interest in Furniture, Works of Art and Asian Art.
By way of a little light relief, we are launching a series of brief articles under the banner Specialists in Lockdown. Find out how our valuers and experts are filling their days during the current restrictions.
The first chat is with Alexander Hallett from our Fine Interiors team, an auctioneer and valuer who has a strong interest in Furniture, Works of Art and Asian Art.
Keep your eyes peeled for the next instalment where will be chatting with our fabulous auctioneer and valuer Briony Harford!
How are you keeping busy in lockdown?
I have been cooking like a maniac! Like everyone else in the world I have tried my hand at sourdough, and have been eating loads of lovely fresh fish, of which there is plenty down in Dorset where I have been self-isolating with my family. At this time of year there is lots of wild garlic about, so I have been trying out some new recipes, some successful and some not so successful…
Do you have a favourite self-isolation recipe you can share with us?
This is a really delicious salad dressing:
1 tin of anchovies
A glug of olive oil
A teaspoon or two of mustard
The juice of a lemon
Parsley
Capers
Either chop the anchovies, capers and parsley or whizz the whole thing up in a food processor. I don’t think I’ll ever dress a salad with anything else ever again!
What is saving your sanity during lockdown?
I’ve been reading a lot, mainly antiques books on areas of the market about which I’d like to know more. That and our family’s newly established cocktail hour!
Which online exhibition/gallery viewing room or other Internet offering has caught your eye?
I have really enjoyed that prominent dealers and figures from the industry have been letting us into their homes via Instagram to talk about their personal collections and their influences. Philip Mould’s ‘Art in Isolation’ series in particular has been fascinating! The Met’s virtual tours and exhibitions are stunning, too!
You can contact Alex on alexanderhallett@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778
Recent News
Sacred Pages | Rare and Historic Bibles Up for Auction
A remarkable collection of 177 lots of rare and historic Bibles feature in our timed auction of Books, Manuscripts and Maps from 17-27 April, offering collectors, scholars and history enthusiasts a unique opportunity to own some of the most significant early English translations of the Holy Scriptures. The collection showcases centuries-old editions that played a pivotal role in shaping religious thought, language and culture.
15 April 2025
A Fish Tale
Ahead of his upcoming ‘retirement sale’ on 13–14 May, we caught up with the ever-charismatic Paul Atkinson to uncover some of the captivating stories behind the lots on offer.
11 April 2025
Shifting Silhouettes | 19th Century Fashion
With styles and silhouettes endlessly evolving during the Victorian period, the continuous advancements in fashion offered women more choice and freedom regarding their attire. Sworders are delighted to present a collection of Victorian clothing in our upcoming Jewellery, Designer Handbags & Accessories sale, taking place on Wednesday 23 April.
9 April 2025