AN extensive collection of art and vintage furniture belonging to a well known Feckenham couple is due to go under the hammer next month.

Barry and Betty Power, who married in 1952 and lived for many years in a Grade II listed half-timbered house in Feckenham, were collectors for almost 70 years.

Beginning with the inheritance of family heirlooms and the purchase of a Charles II oak gate-leg six-seater dining table as they began life together, they shared a love of good quality English art and antiques.

Alongside their sterling work in the local community this passion became a primary focus.

The contents of the house show that they bought very good examples of their type through respected dealers in East Anglia and Warwickshire.

The sale features the Powers’ Charles II oak dining table, purchased from Vesey Manor Antiques in 1955 for £30 and now estimated at £500 to £1,000, alongside an array of lovingly cherished Georgian and earlier formal and vernacular furniture.

An 18th century oak and cross banded lowboy bought for £145 from Sutton Coalfield dealer Thomas Coulborn is today expected to bring £400 to £600, while a Regency mahogany and rosewood banded sofa table estimated at £1,000 to £1,500 was bought by the Powers in 1975 for £845.

Each carefully selected piece was furnished alongside pearlware figures, pewter, brass and copper vessels as well as 19th century rural landscape oil paintings.

Auction house Sworders will sell the Barry and Betty Power collection as part of the June 25 to 26 Fine Interiors auction in Stansted Mountfitchet.