Mammoth Skeleton Highlights Eccentric Treasures at Stately Home Auction

An unusual assortment of fossils, taxidermy, and art collected over time within a grand country house is scheduled to go under the hammer at an auction on May 13th.

The collection comprises a crowned taxidermied lion, a zebra, a giraffe skeleton adorned with stilettos, and an ichthyosaur fossil. Among these, the most prized piece—a mammoth fossil—is anticipated to sell for anywhere from £200,000 to £300,000.

It is anticipated that the sale will generate more than £1.3 million for the restoration of a historically significant building damaged by fire.

Parnham House, an Elizabethan mansion listed as Grade I located close to Beaminster in Dorset, suffered extensive damage from what appeared to be deliberate fire-setting in 2017. This early morning conflagration persisted for four days before being brought under control. Following his arrest in relation to this event, the property’s owner at the time—a financial figure named Michael Treichl—was subsequently discovered deceased.

After acquiring the 16th-century property in 2020, ex-rave promoter James Perkins has put considerable effort into restoring the structure, facing numerous setbacks and complications along the way. To finance essential renovations, especially for finishing off the roof, he is now selling an assortment of 448 cherished possessions from his extensive private collection through an auction.

“I’m delighted to present this fresh chapter in Parnham Park’s narrative and extend an invitation to aficionados of design and collection to explore our newest ‘Modern Grand Tour’, a vibrant assembly of oddities and peculiarities influenced by the park’s Jurassic setting,” states Perkins. “Ranging from dinosaur bones to custom-made pieces, encompassing both traditional styles and contemporary innovations, every item embodies the pleasure of gathering treasures and the excitement of exploration. Additionally, this auction signifies a significant step forward in Parnham’s development prior to extensive restoration work; funds raised will assist in rejuvenating the estate so we can recreate its past splendour and create a distinctive haven for enthusiasts of art, design, and extravagant festivities.”

Dreweatts Auctioneers, who were responsible for managing the sale of Perkins' collection at Aynhoe Park in Northamptonshire before, will be conducting the auction on May 13th.