1950s and '70s clothes among lots at Tennants auction

The collection was put together over a lifetime by the late Peter Leathers, a fashion designer, jewellery maker and guitarist from West Yorkshire, who was a devotee of the era. With a focus on fashion from the American Deep South, he sought out original garments and ephemera from the region.

While many of the pieces in the collection were worn regularly by Peter, the collection included numerous unworn collector’s pieces, complete with original tags.

A 1970s crochet matching short and tank top set sold at the auction (Image: Tennants Auctioneers)

Strong prices were achieved, particularly for a group of circa 1950s Men’s American Suits, Jackets and Trousers, which sold for £750 against an estimate of £120 to £180, and a group of circa 1950s Gent’s American Casual Clothing, which sold for £850.

Meanwhile, a 1970s crochet matching short and tank top set in orange, red and blue made by Saint Laurent Rive Gauche. Sold alongside a further crochet tank top by the same label, the crochet outfits sold for £900.

The top individual lot of the sale was an unrestored dapple grey rocking horse, made in the late 19th century by F.H. Ayres, the most revered maker of the era (sold for £4,200).