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September 6, 2008

Spencer signs line of furniture at Snooper’s Paradise

By Darragh Doiron



GROVES — Charles Spencer, the ninth Earl, created a sensation in Groves just buy showing up.

Those in the know came to hear about Althorp: Living History, a line of furniture Theodore Alexander has created to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Althorp estate in Northhamptionshire in England. The estate was hope to Princess Diana and has ties to Winston Spencer Churchill and ancestors of George Washington.

As guests filled seating amidst antiques at Snooper’s Paradise in Groves, Spencer and his entourage made a stop in the store’s office so the Earl could sign drawers of purchased pieces.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, perhaps,” Jon Hampton, the shop’s owner, said.

The staff relayed anecdotes of just how far antique-lovers had come to hear Spencer speak.

Rose Menou of Crowley, La., said she keeps up with the antiques trade through Snooper’s, as they advised her on renovating her home there.

“There’s no other place to go,” she said.

In the hectic back office, Spencer noted that the economy of Althorp’s region is similar to that of Texas. Texas was built on cattle, and his family had sheep, he said.

Sales from the line will help preserve Althorp.

Contact this reporter at ddoiron@panews.com.

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