An alabaster model of The Bull Sultan

The second lot in the sale (Lot 222) is a sculpted alabaster model of ‘The Bull Sultan’. There are two intriguing old paper labels pasted to the underside of the plinth: the first detailing the original subject which states that the original bull was ‘sold by auction in Oxfordshire at Ten Months old, for 200 Guineas and bought by W Cox, Esq of Brailsford. The perfect symatry of this Bull was the admi-ration of Graziers’; the second label details the presumed maker ‘S. Mawe’.

Sarah Mawe was the widow of mineralogist John Mawe and was later mineralogist in her own right to Her Majesty Queen Victoria and the Royal Family. The label outlines the various minerals and materials that were used in works of art handled by her company.

Other examples of alabaster cattle have appeared on the market, including a companion pair which were offered at Mellor’s and Kirk from the collection of C. W. Briggs (1906-1971) who noted ‘Such detailed models of domestic livestock attracted the discerning or learned purchaser, interested in the improvements in husbandry and breeding then being pursued in England.’

A brass hanging 'Walpole' lantern

Lot 258 is brass hanging lantern, recently manufactured by Charles Edwards of London. In ‘Walpole’ pattern, its Gothic styling is an homage to Strawberry Hill House in Twickenham, the famous Villa built in Gothic Revival style for Horace Walpole in the second half of the 18^th century. The Gothic Revival style has remained popular ever since, with numerous revivals. Examples of this type of architecture can be seen at our neighbours at Donnington Grove.

The lantern itself is hexagonal in form with arcaded glazed gothic panels and internal light fitting. At 72cm high and 32cm wide, this lantern would surely grace an entrance hall, stairwell, or vestibule alike.

A Victorian domestic post box

The sale includes Lot 352, a Victorian mahogany and brass mounted domestic post box, most likely dating to the late 19^th century. It is of octagonal ‘pillar’ shape and probably designed to sit by the front door of a large country house where the inhabitants would post their collective mail before it was collected by the bellman or taken to the nearest post box. In the late Victorian period, post was a frequent affair with up to twelve deliveries a day in larger cities like London. These domestic post boxes tend to be table top size, and at 74cm high this one is of more impressive proportion than most.

A porcelain charger by Jonathan Chiswell Jones

Towards the end of the sale there is a selection of Decorative Arts and Modern Design, which includes items by important makers and designers such as Émile Gallé, René Lalique, Louis Comfort Tiffany, and Sir Grayson Perry, as well as a selection of pieces from Jonathan Chiswell Jones. Jonathan’s work is reminiscent of the work in lustre by William De Morgan. De Morgan’s reduction lustre follows the Islamic tradition and is highly collectable and sought after. Jonathan has refined his own techniques in lustre, and with his assistant Kerry Bosworth and her digitised record keeping, he has been able to keep track of the many variables at play. He notes that 'after 140 firings, surprises still emerge from each kiln. But pleasant or unpleasant they all help to keep the work challenging and fresh.'

The pick of this offering is Lot 531, a charger decorated with St. George and the dragon. Here the Patron Saint of England is shown mounted on horseback and running the dragon through with his lance. The rear is signed JCJ and numbered 8253. It is an impressive 40.5cm diameter overall.

A Shamiana tent

The sale concludes with items for the garden. This mini-section includes Lot 556, a green and blue Shamiana tent, perfect for a garden party or outside function. It comes with three removable panels, each with an arch and mirror fragments sewn in to form a back drop to one side, and the mirror panels are repeated in the canopy. The top of the canopy stands approximately 3.6m high from the ground and is 3m square.

Auction Details

Wednesday 16 August | 10.30am BST
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

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VIEWING:

Viewing in Newbury: 

• Saturday 12 August: 10am-3pm
• Sunday 13 August: 10am-3pm
• Monday 14 August: 10am-4pm
• Tuesday 15 August: 8.30am-4pm
• Wednesday 16 August: from 8.30am