A UNIQUE collection of more than 250 ceramic tea pots is being sent for auction by two sisters who just haven't the house room to keep the heirlooms.
"They were collected by my mum, Kate Bevan. My dad started buying them for her when he was out and about, and the collection grew and grew," said Madeline Trigg, who with sister Jeanette Bevan had the task of clearing up the family house when their brother, Malcolm Bevan, died.
Among the treasures is a Mad Hatter teapot and a fox, and there's even an aeroplane, but the Soudley sisters say they can't find room for them in their homes and they will now come up for auction in the Newent salerooms on February 7.
"We have no idea of their value but I understand some teapots are collectors' pieces," said Madeline. "We will just have to wait and see. They are in perfect condition."
"However we have saved a couple for memory' s sake – I kept my favourite, an old car, and my sister is keeping a Coronation teapot.
"We were never allowed to have a cup of tea made in them – they always stayed in a glass-fronted cupboard out of the way. We couldn't even touch them!"