Perth's Lindsay Burns auction house selling Fife royal souvenirs

The Courier

26-04-2025

Three rare signed portraits of the late Queen and Duke of Edinburgh will be auctioned in Perth next week.
The photographs were signed by the royal couple on a visit to the Craw's Nest Hotel at Anstruther in 1982.
The pair had enjoyed a meal there between carrying out engagements in St Andrews, Anstruther, Methil and Glenrothes.
The large official portraits were taken by photographer Peter Grujeon.
They feature the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, posing solo and together.
And they could fetch £100-£200 apiece when they go under the hammer at Lindsay Burns auction house in Perth on Tuesday.
Auctioneer Nick Burns says it's possible they'll sell for much more.
'It's quite unusual to see something like this and there's been a lot of interest in them,' he said.
'The one of the Queen on her own is getting the most online attention.'
He added: 'They were presented to the Craw's Nest Hotel as a thank you gift in 1982.
'The Queen and Duke had gone there for lunch when they visited the Scottish Fisheries Museum at Anstruther, and they've been in the same family ever since.'
The royal souvenirs are just one of the talking points in Lindsay Burns' upcoming antique, art and interiors sale.
Nick says buyers will find a 'treasure trove' of items among the 860 lots.
Another highlight looks likely to be a traditional Maori wooden fighting staff.
The carved weapon, known as a Taiaha, dates back to the 19th century.
They were used in warfare and as sacred treasures, often passed down through generations.
'They've become quite desirable objects,' said Nick.
'Often incantations (or karakia) would have been said over them, giving them a spiritual significance.'
This one is excpected to fetch at least £1,500.
From closer to home comes a bronze model of a Modena pigeon, mounted on a stone plinth.
It's one of a number of auction lots made by the Perthshire sculptor William Hepworth (1934-2014).
Hepworth established the Alyth Art Foundry.
Best known for his wildlife bronzes, he also made the Torso de Femme sculpture outside the Fergusson Gallery in Perth and the Queen Mother Memorial Gates at Balhousie Castle, home of the Black Watch Museum.
His pigeon has an estimate of £150-£300.
Also notable is the amount of gold jewellery and other objects in the two-day sale.
'The gold price has been at an all-time high,' said Nick.
'And it looks like sellers are taking advantage of this.'
The antique, fine art and interiors sale will run over Tuesday and Wednesday, April 29-30, starting at 10am both days.
Buyers can bid online or in person.
The Lindsay Burns and Company Auctioneers sale room in King Street, Perth, will be open for viewing on Saturday from 9am-2pm, Sunday from 1-3pm, and Monday from 9-5pm.