A larger-than-life character, known throughout the trade as Dick Turpin, this renowned dealer was a familiar figure with his trademark walrus moustache and trilby hat. His shop at 27 Bruton Street, which he opened in the late 1980s, was primarily known for 18th century furniture, but his knowledge extended much more widely, taking in early firearms, ceramics, paintings and drawings.
Having started trading in 1948 at Portobello, Dick Turpin amassed a formidable collection. Much of this was stored in his mews houses in South Kensington and includes pieces he acquired as long as 30 years ago.
Christie’s to sell Turpin’s stock and collection
The stock-in-trade and private collection of Maurice Turpin who died in March, will be sold by Christie’s in London next spring. Two sales, on March 9 and 14, will offer over 800 items and are estimated to fetch over £2m.
