It was the large, substantial pieces of antique brown furniture which captured everyone’s attention at Fellows' Antiques & Fine Art sale held on the 30th March. Recent years have been hard on traditional ‘brown furniture’, with many homemakers preferring more versatile and modern pieces. This has been justified through every factor imaginable from the size and layout of modern homes, change of interior fashions, to the decline of the American export market. But recent auction market reports and trade articles have attempted to halt the downward trend, encouraging campaigns to #BringBackBrownFurniture; sending collectors and traders rushing to auction rooms, grabbing their bargains before the rest of the world clocks on. Fellows kept high hopes for a set of eight early 20th century Chippendale-style mahogany dining chairs, which featured in the recent auction. However, it seemed hopes were not quite high enough, with the final hammer price exceeding everybody’s modest expectations to achieve a fantastic £1,800. The matching extending dining table sold just moments before for £600. The combined £2,400 defied the rule for open-plan and flat-pack living. This was not a one-off, however, as an early 20th century inlaid mahogany display cabinet, which could arguably have been overlooked by modern buyers for being too big and cumbersome, fetched a surprising £1000 when just £200-300 had been expected. Lot 689, An early 20th century mahogany wind out extending dining table & Lot 691- A set of eight (6+2 arm) early 20th century Chippendale style mahogany dining chairs The star lot of the day had to be a fantastic pair of Edwardian shop display cabinets, coming to auction from a local jewellers in the quarter. Rare to find such an imposing pair in good condition, the attraction of a sensible estimate caused buyers to push the hammer to eventually fall on an outstanding £3,100. The fantastic price achieved for these Edwardian cabinets in particular is an encouraging sign the market still appreciates pieces of fine antique brown furniture. Lot 705- A pair of large Edwardian mahogany framed glass display cabinets. With more stability and reassurance appearing in the economy, young buyers and new collectors are becoming braver with their investments, venturing into the antiques market which is currently brimming with fine quality, handsome pieces of furniture patiently waiting to come back into fashion. Be part of the evolution of brown furniture yourself by attending Fellows next auction of antiques & fine art and find the many wonderful Victorian work-tables, corner cupboards and bureaus might soon find the loving homes they deserve. Check www.fellows.co.uk for auction dates or alternatively call 0121 212 2131 to speak to one of our specialists to discuss consigning your brown furniture to the next sale.