This newspaper report was published after the close of the auction sale, conducted by Christie's in Hamilton Palace itself, of items including the oak panelling and other fixtures within the palace which dated from the extensions and improvements made by the 3rd Duke of Hamilton and Duchess Anne in the late 17th century.

The conditions of sale stipulated that the panelling, etc, must be finally cleared by January 1, 1920. The oak panelling in the 36.57m-long Long Gallery, designed to display the family portraits, was sold for 1,950 guineas, while the oak balustrade to the staircase which led to the old part of the palace brought £5,040.

The newspaper report, in describing these superb examples of the work of master craftsmen speaks somewhat condescendingly of their 'patient and sincere craft', for the loss of which 'tears are unavailing, for in their day they probably preferred beer'.