Tony Horton's collection will go on sale on October 9. Picture: GTH

Antiques & Collectables Bridgwater News News Taunton

Popular Somerset auction porter’s antiques collection to go under the hammer

Paul JonesSeptember 24, 20250 Comment0

THE private collection of a long-serving Somerset antiques and livestock porter will go on sale next month.

Tony Horton, who died peacefully earlier this month at the age of 84, worked at Greenslade Taylor Hunt (GTH) and its earlier iterations for decades, in both the antiques saleroom and livestock markets.

A familiar figure at both, Tony was renowned for his work ethic and developed a passion for antiques which continued beyond his retirement in the late 1990s.

Now, his cherished collection will go under the hammer at Somerset Auction Rooms on Thursday, October 9.

Born at Maundown Dairy Farm, Wiveliscombe, in 1941, Tony was the son of a farmer and agricultural contractor.

At 16, he went to Australia on an agricultural scheme, and on his return he milked a Jersey herd at Hemyock.

In the 1960s he joined WRJ Greenslade and Co – the forerunner to GTH – where he worked as a head porter at Taunton and Bridgwater livestock markets, as well as helping out at country house dispersal sales.

Throughout his time with GTH, his love of antiques flourished and over his working life he built up an enviable collection before retiring in the late 1990s.

Valuer Stuart Triggol has now painstakingly catalogued Tony’s cherished treasure trove of items, and the Tony Horton Collection will be auctioned on October 9.

The interesting collection includes miniature portraits and silhouettes, antique furniture, copper and brassware.

A view afternoon will take place on Wednesday, October 8, from 2pm to 4pm at the Somerset Auction Rooms, Sedgemoor Auction Centre, Junction 24, North Petherton.

There will be another opportunity to view on Thursday, October 9, from 9am. The sale commences at 11am.

For more information, call the GTH saleroom on 01278 410250.