Unique collection goes under the hammer
September 2025
The lifetime collection of a longstanding antiques head porter will be sold at the Somerset Auction Rooms on Thursday, October 9.
Tony Horton, who died peacefully earlier this month at the age of 84, worked at Greenslade Taylor Hunt and its earlier iterations for decades in both the antiques saleroom and the livestock markets. Tony was a familiar figure at both and was renowned for his work ethic.
He was born at Maundown Dairy Farm, Wiveliscombe, in 1941, the son of a farmer and agricultural contractor.
At 16 he went to Australia on an agricultural scheme. On his return he milked a Jersey herd at Hemyock.
In the 1960s he joined WRJ Greenslade and Co – the forerunner to Greenslade Taylor Hunt – where he worked as a head porter at Taunton and Bridgwater livestock markets. He also helped out at country house dispersal sales.
Throughout his time with GTH Tony’s love of antiques flourished and over his working life he built up an enviable collection before retiring in the late 1990s.
Now valuer Stuart Triggol has painstakingly catalogued this cherished treasure trove and the Tony Horton Collection will be auctioned on Thursday, 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-4pm at the Somerset Auction Rooms, 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, please call the saleroom on 01278 410250.
Tony Horton, who died peacefully earlier this month at the age of 84, worked at Greenslade Taylor Hunt and its earlier iterations for decades in both the antiques saleroom and the livestock markets. Tony was a familiar figure at both and was renowned for his work ethic.
He was born at Maundown Dairy Farm, Wiveliscombe, in 1941, the son of a farmer and agricultural contractor.
At 16 he went to Australia on an agricultural scheme. On his return he milked a Jersey herd at Hemyock.
In the 1960s he joined WRJ Greenslade and Co – the forerunner to Greenslade Taylor Hunt – where he worked as a head porter at Taunton and Bridgwater livestock markets. He also helped out at country house dispersal sales.
Throughout his time with GTH Tony’s love of antiques flourished and over his working life he built up an enviable collection before retiring in the late 1990s.
Now valuer Stuart Triggol has painstakingly catalogued this cherished treasure trove and the Tony Horton Collection will be auctioned on Thursday, 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-4pm at the Somerset Auction Rooms, 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, please call the saleroom on 01278 410250.