James’ passion for collecting and architecture began at childhood when, at 15 years old, he accompanied his mother to a restorer’s workshop in Cheltenham where he saw a newly cast bust of Apollo being drawn from its mould. From that moment his life as a collector was confirmed; saving up the money from his paper round for months to enable him to purchase the bust and inaugurate a collection that now spans more than 35 years and thousands of pieces.

James’s art collection has been described as “one of the most ambitious and intriguing displays of taxidermy, sculpture, vintage curious and artworks” in the UK. His collection includes pieces from The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and The Victoria and Albert Museum in London. James is also an established supporter of up-and-coming and contemporary artists and his collection includes works by Naomi Tsai, Kai Wertel, Daniel Zielinski and Maximilian Sielinskiit.

Additionally, James’ collection of plasterworks is recognised as being one of the most significant in private hands and, at over 4,500 pieces, is one of the largest in the UK.

 At Parnham Park, this will all be displayed alongside his personal collection of paintings, fossils, dinosaurs, taxidermy, sculptures & furniture set against the breath-taking backdrop of the house itself.

Collector