The Ken Bolan Collection

To view the sale of Ken Bolan’s collection is to see the wide sweep of an adventurous career. Whether a lesser-known Roman figure or a striking pair of mid-century modern cabinets, Ken is the master of finding the unusual, the eye-catching and the characterful.

One of my first jobs was working for Ken at Talisman – a large Art Deco garage he converted on the New Kings Road in London. It was an ambitious project, and Ken approached its refurbishment as he did everything – with an energy, enthusiasm and courage that was contagious. Every day Ken’s reputation as maverick, traveller and tastemaker was writ large in the stunning objects that would arrive from around the world.

Throughout his career, Ken has made deep connections with people through his rare and eclectic finds, and that very personal and accessible quality is what sets these objects apart from curios displayed within a glass case. There is a no-nonsense, celebratory nature to Ken’s approach and everyone has always had a seat at his table, joining him on his colourful journey. He has always delighted as much in the stories of his finds as he has in the hunt itself and he has always shared that enjoyment with relish, whether you’re a dealer, a client or someone just starting out in their career, as I was in my early twenties.

There is nothing rigid or formulaic about Ken’s taste. Poring over the pages of this catalogue, evidence of his insatiable curiosity is plain to see. His courage to do things differently and his at-times brazen approach to what’s considered ‘in’ and what’s not, but frankly just as exciting and worth pursuing, is inspiring. Each and every item has been instinctively sourced by Ken – for its aesthetic qualities, its character and the tale it tells. From fine examples of 18th Century Swedish furniture to show stopping large-scale garden statuary, the lots in this sale embody the eclectic and all-encompassing approach.

It takes a boldness and love of life to have built such a vibrant career around these theatrical pieces, and on the 14th of May we all have the chance to be the beneficiaries of that vision and generosity of spirit.

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Auction Details

Tuesday 14 May, 10.30am BST
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

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VIEWING:

• Viewing in Newbury:
  • Friday 10 May: 10am-4pm
  • Saturday 11 May: 10am-3pm
  • Sunday 12 May: 10am-3pm
  • Monday 13 May: 10am-4pm
  • Tuesday 14 May: 9am-2pm
• Remote Viewing Service | Available from Saturday 11 May
• Dreweatts 360 Virtual Auction Tour | Available from Friday 10 May