The UK’s largest private collection of antique apothecary objects is to go under the hammer - including a complete pharmacist’s shop.
The Cotswold Auction Company is hosting the auction filled with "pills, potions, and weird and wonderful remedies".
It will encompass all manner of fascinating pharmaceutical objects - many from the early Georgian to late Victorian period.
The unique collection features a complete pharmacist’s shop from about 1880, a large mahogany display cabinet with a unique glass advertising label reading ‘Proprietor of Hackett's Glycerine of Roses Vegetable Pills Blood Purifier &c’, a large quantity of apothecary drawers and jars, and two large mortar and pestles.
Other highlights include a rare glass hanging flagon from circa 1890, numerous glass pharmacy signs, and a near complete set of ‘Chemist and Druggist’ books spanning the period 1853 to 2015 - one of only two in the world.
It became "a labour of love" as he crammed his early Victorian townhouse full to the brim with curiosities - all antique apothecary objects - transforming it into an immersive environment for his research into the evolution of pharmacy.
Mr Baines said: “Writing about the history of pharmacy, I began to collect pharmaceutical objects – from early Georgian pharmacy bottles through to things from the Victorian age – because it gave me an understanding of how the profession evolved.
“Every object tells a story, and each is a witness to the past – I wanted to immerse myself in that.”
Auctioneer Lindsey Braune said: “It is a great privilege to be auctioning Professor Baines’ collection, which is truly remarkable.
“This was clearly a labour of love, and we hope these fascinating objects find an equally loving new home.”
She added: “The collection is so extensive it is occupying a large section of our Cirencester saleroom, which will be open for viewing in the days before the auction.”
The Cotswold Auction Company sale, of which the apothecary collection forms the centrepiece, will take place on Tuesday, June 24 and Wednesday, June 25.
The company says: "We can sell single items, collections or whole house contents. Our professional valuers offer advice on the complete process – including a home visit if required, giving estimates on value, arranging transport, advertising, photography – right through to proceeds arriving approximately three and a half weeks after the sale."
For further enquiries about the auction, interested parties are asked to call 01285 642420 or email ciren@cotswoldauction.co.uk
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