A remarkable piece of furniture once owned by Hollywood actor Sir Michael Caine is due to be auctioned at Wotton Auction Rooms, attracting interest from antique collectors, furniture enthusiasts and fans of the film star.
The mid-17th-century Spanish carved cupboard is listed as Lot 254 in the forthcoming auction. It carries an estimate of between £3,000 and £5,000 and is scheduled to go under the hammer on Tuesday, October 13, according to Stroud Times.
A 17th-century piece with a famous owner
Richly carved and dating from around the mid-1600s, the cupboard reflects the craftsmanship and distinctive decorative style associated with Spanish furniture from that period. Its history is also tied to one of Britain’s best-known actors, having formed part of Caine’s personal collection.
Caine’s collection was sold by Bonhams in 2022. The auction listing gives collectors the opportunity to buy an antique with a direct connection to the actor, rather than simply a piece from the same period or style.
The furniture is described in the source material as a distinctive trunk owned by Caine, while the lot itself is identified as a Spanish carved cupboard. An image is credited to Matthew Bigwood, and the reported price estimate reaches £5,000.
Auctioneer highlights the cupboard’s story
Joseph Trinder, auctioneer and managing director of Wotton Auction Rooms, said: “This piece wonderfully blends appeals with its beauty, history and connection to one of our best loved faces of British cinema. A sumptuous survivor of the 17th century, its 20th century is every bit as fascinating as it joins us from the home of one of our finest actors and public figures.”
Caine enjoyed a career lasting more than seven decades. His films included The Italian Job, Get Carter, Zulu, The Dark Knight trilogy and The Cider House Rules.
Susan Lynch sees the lot ahead of the sale
The cupboard has already been viewed by another familiar actor. Susan Lynch, whose credits include A Thousand Blows, Happy Valley and Killing Eve, recently visited Wotton Auction Rooms and saw the piece.
Lynch said: “The cupboard is absolutely stunning and with the Michael Caine connection, I’m sure it will collect a sizeable sum.”
The sale is expected to draw attention because of the combination of the cupboard’s age, its Spanish design and its connection to Caine’s personal collection. Further details are available from Wotton Auction Rooms.