Lichfield councillor's 'exquisite' antiques to be auctioned

Long-standing public servant Margaret Stanhope gathered antiques in her Alrewas cottage over a period of seven decades

An "exquisite" collection of antiques collected by Lichfield's longest-serving councillor is to be auctioned.

Margaret Stanhope gathered silver, ceramics and furnishings over a period of seven decades before her death earlier this year.

The former civil servant was appointed an MBE for services to the government and local community in 2013.

Hansons Auctioneers said: "It has been a privilege to catalogue Margaret's cherished items."

The collection will be offered by Hansons Auctioneers on 26 January.

Mrs Stanhope moved to Alrewas in Lichfield, Staffordshire as a child and later bought a cottage in the village with her husband.

Their restoration of the cottage's 16th Century features inspired her to stand as a parish councillor to ensure its future conservation.

Mrs Stanhope's sister Janet Evans said she had followed in their mother's footsteps in developing a lifelong "passion for antiques".

"Her real passion was in hallmarked silver, particularly unusual pieces such as tea caddies and perfume bottles," Mrs Evans said.

She added that her sister had also collected miniatures and enamels.

Items to be sold include ceramics, furnishings and silverware

Mrs Stanhope served in local government for a total of 51 years, including 45 years as a member of Lichfield District Council, representing Alrewas and Fradley.

She was also a former chair of South Staffordshire Health Authority and retired as an Alrewas parish councillor age 89 in October 2020.

Hansons Auctioneers said the auction would honour the memory "of a woman who devoted her life to community service".

"Over many years she amassed an exquisite collection of antiques including furniture, silver, jewellery and decorative objects," a spokesperson added.