A LARGE private collection of modern Moorcroft pottery assembled by a Somerset woman over two decades has been sold for £24,700.

The 62 lots comprising 120 items went to auction with Lawrences, in Crewkerne.

A vase in the Sunshine Chandelier pattern sold for £130 to show how relatively affordable some Moorcroft can be - but the higher prices proved just how desirable much of it has become.

The top price of £1,280 was for a large vase from 2007 in the Timbavati pattern.

But trumping the Moorcroft total was an oak settee by celebrated craftsman Sidney Barnsely (1865-1926).

The 2.18-metre long oak item of furniture had passed by descent through the family of close associate Ernest Gimson until about 30 years ago, when it was given to Sir Anthony Denny Bt, latterly of Muchelney.

The serviceable, rustic style of the piece was inspired in some respects by wagon construction and the pegged and jointed construction methods reflect traditional joinery methods that celebrate honesty of design.

There was delight for its vendor as the lot exceeded its £6,000-£8,000 estimate to be bought for £40,000.