A world-renowned East Cambridgeshire gallery is to close after nearly 50 years of trading – but not before one final auction selling 700 eclectic items from remote parts of the globe.

Cambs Times: Alastair and Hazel Hull's Ethnic Gallery and Gift Shop is to close after nearly 50 years at Haddenham Arts Centre - but not before one final auction selling 700 eclectic items.Alastair and Hazel Hull's Ethnic Gallery and Gift Shop is to close after nearly 50 years at Haddenham Arts Centre - but not before one final auction selling 700 eclectic items. (Image: HADDENHAM GALLERIES)

Alastair and Hazel Hull, two “compulsive travellers" who love exploring the remote bazaars of the world”, are closing their Ethnic Gallery and Gift Shop after more than two decades of trading at the Haddenham Arts Centre.

Cambs Times: Two baskets with lids, good for pot-pureeTwo baskets with lids, good for pot-puree (Image: HADDENHAM GALLERIES)

The auction contains 700 lots from handmade glass vases from Afghanistan, unusual love token rings from China to the interictally carved doorway from the remote north of Pakistan that visitors to the Gallery will remember stepping through.

Cambs Times: Glass mosaic amp shades from Udaipur.Glass mosaic amp shades from Udaipur. (Image: HADDENHAM GALLERIES)

Having also started the Haddenham Arts Centre through their love of work by local makers, the couple’s colourful and unusual collection is being auctioned by the well-known David Palmer.

Cambs Times: Traditional lamp as can be found in the Raja's palace in UdaipurTraditional lamp as can be found in the Raja's palace in Udaipur (Image: HADDENHAM GALLERIES)

The pair specialised in Central Asia, the war-torn areas of Afghanistan, Iran, the tribal areas of North West Frontier of Pakistan, Nepal and the Indonesian archipelago.

Cambs Times: Carved panel decoration from Bali in contrasting two colours of woodCarved panel decoration from Bali in contrasting two colours of wood (Image: HADDENHAM GALLERIES)

Alastair said: “We gave the centre as a legacy to the community as they did not want it to fizzle out having put so many years building it up.”

Cambs Times: Carved hardwood panel from Bali showing two birdsCarved hardwood panel from Bali showing two birds (Image: HADDENHAM GALLERIES)

Although the arts centre continues to thrive, it is the end of an era for the couple’s gallery.

Cambs Times: Painted metal cockerelPainted metal cockerel (Image: HADDENHAM GALLERIES)

“We have so many plans of things to do,” he added. “Retirement is not a word in our vocabulary.”

Cambs Times: Two rattan and cowrie shell baskets.Two rattan and cowrie shell baskets. (Image: HADDENHAM GALLERIES)

The auction will be held in the garden marquees at Haddenham Arts Centre, 20 High Street, Haddenham on Sunday June 20.

Cambs Times: Candle stick of distressed painted woodCandle stick of distressed painted wood (Image: HADDENHAM GALLERIES)

It will take place globally online and, to comply with Covid restrictions, a limited audience of 75.

Cambs Times: Table lamp in rattan and fine cotton.Table lamp in rattan and fine cotton. (Image: HADDENHAM GALLERIES)

Tickets are available for free. View the catalogue, watch the auction and bid via www.batemans.com and www.the-saleroom.com

Cambs Times: Table lamp made from handmade paper on metal frameTable lamp made from handmade paper on metal frame (Image: HADDENHAM GALLERIES)

Or contact Alastair by emailing alastair.hazel@gmail.com or calling 07940 950401.

Cambs Times: Table lamp from lumps of salt rock in a starry metal containerTable lamp from lumps of salt rock in a starry metal container (Image: HADDENHAM GALLERIES)

Cambs Times: Lamp shade of handmade paper detailed with flower petals and bambooLamp shade of handmade paper detailed with flower petals and bamboo (Image: HADDENHAM GALLERIES)

Cambs Times: Set of three brass festival lights used at the Diwali FestivalSet of three brass festival lights used at the Diwali Festival (Image: HADDENHAM GALLERIES)