The antiques trip
Find out where antiques expert and Bargain Hunt presenter Christina Trevanion seeks inspiration as we travel to Shropshire
Auctioneer Christina Trevanion shares her antiques hotspots in north Shropshire
n the heritage stakes, visitors get a two-for- one deal in Shropshire. The county was the crucible of the Industrial Revolution and rightly celebrates its gritty past. On the other hand, if you’re seeking Regency refinement or simply a rural getaway, the region’s fine historic houses and enchanting market towns will certainly fit the bill; there are plenty of spots for antiques inspiration, too.
In the 18th century, peaceful Ironbridge Gorge was the blistering epicentre of the iron industry. It was here that Abraham Darby I kickstarted a new age of manufacturing when he began producing the pig iron that would power steam trains and create pioneering structures. The eponymous cast-iron bridge (pictured above) built in 1779 that spans the deep gorge was the first of its kind and remains a beacon for British innovation. The advancements made at this UNESCO World Heritage site went on to influence every part of Victorian life, as Ironbridge Gorge’s 10 museums show. If ceramics bring you joy, visit the National Collection of British tiles at the Jackfield Tile Museum and the former Coalport China factory – now a listed building – to view the National Collections of Coalport and Caughley China. Children will love Blists Hill Victorian Town where you can buy a quarter of toffees at the sweet shop, shudder at the curious potions on display in the 19th- century pharmacy and enjoy a good old-fashioned funfair.
Travelling north from the county town of Shrewsbury to the northern borders, there are plenty of opportunities to browse antiques for sale, or pick up inspiration for your own collection. With Saxon origins, Shrewsbury has over 600 listed buildings
Attingham Park is a National Trust conservation success story. Nowhere is this more visible than in the grand roof of the Picture Gallery
and is the birthplace of Charles Darwin, who lived here until the age of 27. Walk the Darwin Town Trail to discover more about his early life and boyhood haunts. Top heritage spots in town include the Abbey, founded in 1083, and the imposing Norman sandstone castle. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the sumptuous interiors of Attingham Park, five miles from the town centre. This Regency masterpiece is a National Trust conservation success story. Nowhere is this more visible than in the grand roof of the Picture Gallery. Commissioned by the 2nd Lord Berwick in 1805, its roof was designed by John Nash in glass and cast-iron to bathe Berwick’s Grand Tour art collection in natural light. Frustratingly, Nash’s ambitious design started leaking just a few years after completion, causing two centuries of headaches for successive owners and residents. Today, however, thanks to the extensive Through the Roof project, an ingenious modern glass roof sits over Nash’s original design – just like a glass cabinet – protecting the Picture Gallery’s precious but flawed first roof.
Throughout north Shropshire’s villages and towns there are more fascinating stories to discover. Make time to stop in at the Whitchurch Heritage Centre, where you can discover the town’s fascinating clockmaking history. Ludlow might be Shropshire’s gastronomic capital, but if you’re fond of gingerbread, make a beeline for Market Drayton. The spiced treat has been made by artisans in the town for over 200 years and, much like the county itself, is a most palatable blend indeed. * For more information visit shropshiretourism.co. uk