LONDON.- The international auction house Bonhams is to offer for sale the amazing collection of one of Britain’s greatest interior decorators, Christopher Hodsoll. The sale –The Christopher Hodsoll Collection – will take place in London on Tuesday 1 October.

Christopher Hodsoll is known for his original and eclectic taste, and for his long list of celebrated clients including Paul Simon, Elton John, Sting, Mick Jagger and the Duke of Edinburgh among many others. Hodsoll and Morville Hall are the subject of a major article in July’s edition of The World of Interiors.

Bonhams Director of House Sales and Private Collections, Charlie Thomas, said, “Christopher Hodsoll is one of the most respected decorators of his generation. His distinctive mix of fine furniture with textiles, works of art and fine art of many different periods and styles is instantly recognisable in the homes of his clients, who range from rock stars to royalty. Not surprisingly, Christopher adopted the same approach when he came to furnish the beautiful Morville Hall in the rolling Shropshire countryside. We are delighted to be offering the contents of his former home, Morville Hall for sale in October."

Writing in the autumn edition of Bonhams Magazine, the acclaimed journalist Maev Kennedy says: "Morville Hall is filled with Hodsoll's immaculate eye for rich colour, texture, elegance and a dash of eccentricity. The treasures looked as If they have occupied the space for centuries."

The 350 pieces in the sale comprise fine mid-18th and 19th century furniture, old master paintings, modern British art, Anglo–Indian and Ceylonese furniture, lighting, natural history as well as the more whimsical items that are the hallmark of Christopher’s

interiors. The sale also includes modern furniture made by Soane Britain, which Christopher co-founded with Lulu Lytle 20 years ago.

Highlights include:

• Ned Baldry’s Horse, by the 18th century East Anglian portrait and figure painter, Thomas Bardwell. Estimate: £40,000-60,000.

• A fine George III amaranth, rosewood banded, satinwood, hare wood, fruitwood marquetry and ormolu mounted bombe commode attributed to Pierre Langlois. Langlois specialised in marquetry, which had been revived in France by Jean-François Oeben in the 1750s. Estimate: £30,000-50,000.

• A George II mahogany partners' desk in the manner of Thomas Chippendale. Estimate: £20,000-30,000.

• Sunflowers by the 20th century British painter John Bratby. Estimate: £6,000-8,000.

• A pair of Venetian 19th century glass, carved and polychrome decorated girandoles featuring Harlequins holding torches fitted with four scrolled candle arms. Estimate: £3,000-5,000