On Tuesday 4 & Wednesday 5 June, Dreweatts held their auction The Palmer Family at Bussock Wood: Four Generations of Connoisseurship. Descendants of the Victorian manufacturing icons, Huntley and Palmer, the Palmers are a tour de force family known for their contributions to society in Reading and the wider Berkshire region.
The family home was Bussock Wood, purchased by Bill and Cherry Palmer in 1963, which housed a wonderful collection of items collected across the generations, including the Reginald and Lena Palmer Collection of Chinese Art. The auction saw lively bidding across both days, online, on the phone and in the room, here we take a look at some of the results.
Speaking on the results achieved on day one, Head of Sale and Head of House Sales & Private Collections, Joe Robinson said “We are delighted with the results of today’s auction of the Palmer Collection from Bussock Wood which saw energetic bidding from around the globe and robust results particularly for Modern British art and important furniture. It is a telling culmination and celebration of one family’s multigenerational appreciation for quality and eye for works which have stood the test of time in the eyes of an ever-selective market.”
Commenting on day two, Dreweatts’ Chinese and Asian Art Specialist Yingwen Tao said “We are thrilled with the result of this remarkable collection from the Palmer family. The family took extraordinary care of the entire collection, which is among the best collections of Chinese Art assembed in the 20th century, and this was reflected in the fantastic results achieved. A highlight was a Qing Dynasty Chinese Famille Verte 'Eight Horses of Mu Wang' Bowl (Lot 379) which still retains its original condition and colour even after a century, making it a highly desired Lot and selling for £180,200.”
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