This summer’s Interiors auction not only includes four exquisite side chairs by the renowned Gillows of Lancaster, a Linley Classic Dining Table, torchere stands from the workshops of Thomas Messel, and a fruit laden Meissen part dinner service… but it also features a Wilton Carpet belonging to the late Stanley Baldwin PM as the amusing accompanying illustration testifies…
The Summer Sale this year starts with a private collection of 74 lots all recently removed from Shefford Woodlands House, near Hungerford. The collection largely comprises classic English Country House furnishings and objects - from wheel barometers from the hall to selected pictures and prints from the landings and bedrooms - with the proceeds from the sale of these lots donated to a number of local charities.
One of the stand out lots from this private collection is lot 15 which includes a set of four George IV giltwood side chairs attributed to the renowned makers of this period Gillows of Lancaster on the basis that their design is illustrated and briefly described in Susan E. Stuart’s seminal work Gillows of Lancaster & London 1730-1840, published by the Antique Collectors Club. Also included in the lot are a set of four further Victorian side chairs.
Another particular highlight from this consignment is lot 33, a Meissen part dinner service, each piece exquisitely painted in coloured enamels depicting various fruits in the centre, within a blue and gilt scroll moulded border. Included here are enough pieces to comfortably serve eight, whilst also allowing for spare pieces should unthinkable mishaps occur.
The Summer Sale is then comprised of the usual delights that Dreweatts’ Interiors offer, featuring furniture, carpets, works of art, lighting and clocks, spanning the 17th century right up to the more elaborate Regency and Victorian periods. This segment of the sale also includes items removed from Ripple Hall, Gloucestershire, being offered throughout the following 400 lots, each one identified with a clear footnote of provenance relating to this imposing Grade II listed Georgian mansion.
In the 1960s Ripple Hall was bought by Mr. and Mrs. Hugo Baldwin Huntington-Whiteley, later Sir Hugo Baldwin Huntington-Whiteley, 3rd Baronet Huntington-Whiteley of Grimley, who was the grandson of three-time Prime Minister Sir Stanley Baldwin. Within this interesting consignment we have lot 284, a Wilton carpet which was presented to Mrs. Baldwin by the town of Kidderminster in 1928. This carpet is sold with an accompanying illustration of the carpet itself, with hand written legend to the mount and a satirical print entitled Popularity, depicting Stanley Baldwin struggling with this carpet during a visit to Dudley, a day after the presentation was made to his wife.
Following on from our successful June Interiors sale which included furniture and works of art from the workshops of David Linley we are pleased to include Lot 316 - a walnut, burr walnut and sycamore inlaid extending ‘Classic Dining Table’. This useful table can be extended for use as an ovoid dining table or can be used as a small circular centre table. The top is supported on classical columnar supports, and like all items from this designer is proudly stamped LINLEY.
Interestingly in this sale we also offer a pair of giltwood torchere stands from the workshops of Thomas Messel. Messel is a furniture designer and also the cousin of David Linley, and also marks his offerings clearly with the MESSEL stamp. He is the nephew of the renowned designer Oliver Messel who is perhaps best remembered for his suite at the Dorchester Hotel. The lavishly ornate Oliver Messel Suite is marketed by the hotel as the actress Elizabeth Taylor’s most favoured place to stay in London.
AUCTION DETAILS AND LOCATION
Wednesday 21 August | 10.30am
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 2JE
VIEWING:
Sunday 18 August: 10am-2pm
Monday 19 August: 9am-5.30pm
Tuesday 20 August: 9am-4.30pm
Day of sale: from 8.30am
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