It was after a visit to the Royal Armoury that he first stepped into the 18th century. He was only a child at the time, but ever since then he has been devoted to the people and objects from a bygone age. Long after his first encounter with the Rococo and Gustavian eras, he stepped straight through the television screen as the eloquent — and, of course, impeccably dressed — expert on the SVT programme Det sitter i väggarna (“It’s in the Walls”).

Now, Stockholm’s Auktionsverk presents 100 lots from his personal collections. Here we are met with carefully chosen antiques, reminiscent of stage props, from the century that O’Regan has so vividly brought to life through his books, lectures, and guided city tours.

Among the highlights are a secrétaire by Carl Didrik Fick (master in Stockholm 1776–1806), a gilt lead emblem from the Stockholm Fire and Insurance Office, a pair of exceptionally charming portraits by Johan Fredrik Pettersson, and a bicorne — perfectly suited for anyone wishing to adopt the look once sported by the Stockholm Burgher Guard more than 200 years ago.

In smaller scale we find a pair of baronial seals, a medal of merit, and a drum emblem. And amidst all the refinement, a sturdy and robust fire poker in cast iron. Each piece is accompanied by personal reflections from Christopher O’Regan himself, who warmly guides us among muskets and silhouette portraits.Simply taking in the exhibition is a pure delight.

Welcome to Stockholm’s Auktionsverk and The Christopher O’Regan Collection!