Mitchells Auctions to reopen next week with major sale
A 16th century Bible cover believed to have belonged to Mary Queen of Scots will be the chief lot when Mitchells saleroom reopens with a major antiques and fine art sale next week.
The stumpwork cover has an estimate of £10,000-£15,000 and is among contents from Greystoke Castle which will feature in the three-day sale at Cockermouth of 1,500 items from Wednesday to Friday.
It depicts the crucifixion with finely worked-in coloured threads and measures 30cm x 27cm, contained within a stained wood glazed case.
An accompanying plaque reads: “Bible cover owned by Mary Queen of Scots and given by her mother to Lady Elizabeth Stuart, later Countess of Arundel and Surrey who gave it to her son Charles Howard of Greystoke,” with similar words inked to the reverse.