On Thursday 23 July, Arundells was delighted to welcome guests for Stories of the Sea, a special evening presented in collaboration with Salisbury auction house Woolley & Wallis.

Taking advantage of a warm summer evening, guests gathered in the Arundells garden to hear three leading specialists from Woolley & Wallis explore fascinating objects connected by maritime history, international trade and the enduring influence of the sea on cultures around the world. The beautiful surroundings provided a fitting setting for talks that spanned centuries, continents and cultures.

With guests able to enjoy the house and gardens before the talks began, the evening offered a wonderful opportunity to combine expert insight with the chance to experience one of Salisbury’s most distinctive heritage attractions. Home to an exceptional collection of art, antiques and historical artefacts, Arundells provided the perfect setting for an event focused on the stories behind remarkable objects.

The evening featured three specialist presentations, each revealing a different aspect of how the sea has shaped history and material culture.

Alexandra Aguilar, Director and Head of the Japanese Art Department at Woolley & Wallis, shared the story of a spectacular 17th-century Japanese lacquer cabinet. Through its intricate decoration depicting Dutch East India Company ships arriving at the island of Dejima during Japan’s Edo period, the cabinet offered a fascinating glimpse into early trade links between East and West.

Guests then heard from John Axford, Chairman and Asian Art Specialist, whose talk explored a rare group of 18th-century privateer wine glasses. Engraved with the names and images of ships licensed by the Crown to attack enemy vessels during wartime, these unusual objects revealed how maritime success and national pride were celebrated through the decorative arts.

The final presentation came from Ned Cowell, Associate Director and specialist in Medals & Coins and Arms & Armour. Drawing on four examples from the Arundells collection, Ned examined the extraordinary bone ship models created by French prisoners of war during the Napoleonic Wars. Crafted from discarded materials while held in British prisons, these intricate models demonstrated remarkable skill, ingenuity and resilience.

Following the talks, guests enjoyed a lively question-and-answer session with the speakers, allowing them to delve deeper into the histories behind the objects and the stories they embody.

The event drew a diverse audience of local residents, museum supporters and history enthusiasts, creating an engaging atmosphere throughout the evening and prompting plenty of questions for the speakers.

Speaking after the event, Alexandra Aguilar said:

“Woolley & Wallis was absolutely delighted to return to Arundells for yesterday’s Stories of the Sea event. Sir Edward Heath’s home is one of Salisbury’s true cultural gems, and as an auction house that’s been part of the city for generations, it is a privilege to share our team’s passion for maritime history and decorative arts in such an iconic setting. We look forward to supporting and being involved in many more events at Arundells in the future.”

Arundells would like to thank Alexandra, John and Ned for sharing their expertise, and Woolley & Wallis for helping to make the evening such a success. We are also grateful to everyone who attended and look forward to welcoming visitors to future events at Arundells.