A remarkable collection of Fabergé‑style decorated eggs, crafted by a talented Barnsley care home resident over several decades, is set to go under the virtual hammer in a special Easter auction. The proceeds will help fund a much‑anticipated seaside trip for fellow residents at Deangate Care Home in Mapplewell.
A Lifelong Passion for Ornate Egg Crafting
Eighty‑eight‑year‑old Margaret Smith, who has lived at Deangate Care Home on Towngate since March 2024, began her intricate craft in 1979. Her fascination with ornamental eggs was sparked a decade earlier, in 1969, when she spotted a beautiful example in a shop window priced at £16 – twice her husband's weekly wage at the time. Determined to learn the art, she enrolled in an egg decorating class at the then Barnsley Mining and Technical College.
Margaret, who lives with dementia, still delights in viewing her scrapbook of creations. Her daughter Catherine and family have now donated several of these exquisite eggs to the care home for the fundraising auction. "Mum was very talented and, like many crafters, proud of the items she produced," Catherine remarked.
From Prestige Shows to a Facebook Fundraiser
Over the years, Margaret's intricate artworks were sold at prestigious events across the UK, including:
- The Royal Welsh Show
- The Great Yorkshire Show
- Chatsworth Country Fair
- Burleigh Horse Trials
She was an active member of the Egg Crafters Guild of Great Britain, attending seminars to keep abreast of trends and even gathering ideas from American members when the craft was at its peak popularity there. Her expertise led her to give talks and demonstrations to Women's Institutes, schools, and community groups, and she later taught egg decorating through Barnsley Council's Adult Education Service.
Now, these cherished pieces will be auctioned on the Deangate Care Home Facebook page during their Valentine's Day party on Friday, February 13. Winning bidders will be invited to collect their pieces directly from Margaret at the home.
Exquisite Craftsmanship and Lasting Legacy
Margaret's eggs are true miniature treasures, crafted from real goose, rhea, and ostrich eggs sourced from domestic farms. Each piece underwent a meticulous process:
- Carefully cutting and cleaning the eggshell
- Painting and lining with velvet or silk
- Decorating with rhinestones, pearls, and coloured stones
- Some were even dyed using onion skins to achieve a marbled finish
Her favourite creation – a goose egg entirely covered in rhinestones – took over thirty hours to complete and was never offered for sale. Beyond her crafting, Margaret worked in catering, following in her father's footsteps as a Master Butcher, with her final role as catering manageress at Barnsley College before early retirement in 1991.
Community Recognition and Resident Admiration
Margaret's talent gained significant local recognition. She was regularly invited by Barnsley Mayors to exhibit at the Barnsley Art and Craft Exhibition, created personalised eggs for councillors in the 1980s, and was featured in several newspaper articles. At Deangate Care Home, her work has captivated fellow residents.
Long‑time friend and fellow resident Joan Giggal, 92, recalled Margaret making both eggs and clocks when their children were young. Ninety‑one‑year‑old Brenda Pratt exclaimed, "Ooh, I would love one of those. Look at the detail. They're beautiful." Another resident, 93‑year‑old Margaret Poppleton, added, "They are stunning. The pearls on the egg that opens are so neat and applied with such detail. I would love to own one."
Funding Joyful Outings for Elderly Residents
The auction aims to raise money for the home's residents' fund, which pays for outings and activities. While a trip to Yorkshire Wildlife Park is already planned, recent resident meetings revealed a strong collective desire to "see the sea." The funds will specifically contribute towards an additional seaside trip this year.
Rachael Addy, activities coordinator at Deangate Care Home, expressed her hopes for the auction: "I hope the eggs find a wonderful home. They should be preserved for posterity. The eggs are full of precious memories for Margaret's family and the detail and hard work shine through every time you look at them. Today, when we were looking at them, Margaret commented on the pearl detail as she ran her fingers around the edge. We're so grateful to Catherine and her family for donating them and for allowing everyone to see how talented her mother is."
Catherine highlighted the auction's dual purpose: "We're sure someone might like a decorated egg as a gift for Easter instead of a chocolate one and the funds will go towards giving Margaret and others at the home a fantastic outing to the seaside." This unique fundraiser beautifully connects Margaret's artistic legacy with creating new, joyful experiences for her and her fellow residents.
