France is preparing to sell off antique furniture in a bid to support its hard-hit hospitals during the coronavirus pandemic.
The initiative is expected to raise crucial funds in support of hospital workers and staff and items will be put on auction in September.
France’s national furniture collection comprises historic antique items dating back to the early 19th century including objects that are deemed to be exceptionally rare from the era of Louis-Philippe I.
The effort is part of a national drive to contribute additional support to French hospitals that during the peak of the crisis were at breaking point, particularly in the Île-de-France region.
The Mobilier National, which arranges furnishings for government buildings is said to have more than 130,000 items in storage including desks, ceramics, chairs and chandeliers.
