9 hours ago
Antiques Roadshow's Bunny selling rabbit collection in Newbury
A rabbit collection belonging to Antiques Roadshow expert Bunny Campione is set to go under the hammer. Her collection - being auctioned in Newbury, Berkshire - comprises 50 lots of rabbits dating from the late 19th Century to the 1950s and includes soft toys and some others made from who has appeared on the BBC's antiques show since the 1980s, said the rabbits had given her "so much joy" but that she wants to give them "happy new homes".The lots include a rare 1906 Steiff wool plush Peter Rabbit, which was found in a bin in Athens, Greece, and later given to Campione as a gift. It is expected to sell for between £4,000 and £6,000.
It is thought Peter Rabbit's creator Beatrix Potter did not like Steiff's version and did not approve of it - but it is one of Campione's favourites."Collecting the rabbits has given me so much joy, but I feel that the time is right to part with them and my wish is for them to have happy new homes," she said.
Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, by Dean's Rag Book Co., was fortunate when Bunny's pet rabbit got jealous and bit his foot but left only minor damage. Oswald is expected to be sold for between £400 and £ Agnew, Special Auction Services' toy, doll and teddy bear expert, said Campione has been an "inspiration" to him."I have always known her charming bunny collection and feel so honoured to find this group of characters homes. What fun to own one of Bunny's bunnies!" he added.
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