Auction Highlights

The first thing we are going to look at is Lot 2, a Pilkington Royal Lancastrian lustre vase decorated by the artist William S Mycock. The vase is of globular form and is decorated in Arts & Crafts taste with the body ornamented with foliate scrolls, flower heads and latin motto 'Lideat concerdere Veris' (Let the truths come together). Pilkington is best remembered for their range of lustreware such as this item here, produced in the early part of the 20th century. In 1913, on seeing a private collection of lustreware that belong to Lord Derby, King George V was so moved as to grant the factory their Royal Warrant. 

We then have lot 9, a George IV mahogany folio stand, probably dating to circa 1830.  This is of typical slatted form with each supported on a ratchet action running in the grooves of the outswept legs allowing a range of versatile positions. The top is elevated on turned end supports and with cup feet and brass wheel castors. Although called a folio stand this doesn't have to be used for large books - these are often a feature of country house libraries to display collections of antique prints and etchings.

Another highlight is Lot 30, an Edme Samson model of a caparisoned elephant, this is made by the famous (or perhaps infamous) factory in Paris where many copies of European and Asian works of art were made. Here we have an impressive model of an Elephant, modelled marching with head forward and lifted, a rug upon its back and tail tucked in. It stands at 37cm high and is 65cm long.

This Edme Samson model of a caparisoned elephant previously belonged to Dame Freya Stark (1893-1993). Freya Stark was a travel writer and great friend of the Olivier family. The most well-known portrait of her is by Herbert Olivier and is in the National Portrait Gallery.  

Lot 3 is a charming Victorian walnut bookcase, probably mid 19th century, this is of rectangular outline and is of narrow 'bedside' proportion and therefore allows the owner to keep a selection of their favourite books without dominating a room - ideal for a bedroom or smaller sitting room. The walnut veneers feature characteristic burr figuring that is so sort after in walnut of this period.

The collection also includes a suite of seat furniture (Lot 16), comprising a settee and six chairs. Almost certainly Italian, the backs of each element with a lyre motif and sabre legs. Probably originally designed for a salon, this versatile arrangement could just as easily be used to bring a homogeneous feel across an interior by using the settee and chairs across a number of bedrooms or through a hall and landing - bringing elegance and class to whichever rooms are chosen.

Auction Details

Tuesday 17 & Wednesday 18 January | 10.30am GMT
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

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VIEWING:

Viewing in Newbury:

• Sunday 15 January: 10am-3pm
• Monday 16 January: 10am-4pm
• Day of auctions: from 8.30am

Additional furniture and works of art from the collection will be sold in our Fine Furniture, Sculpture, Carpets, Ceramics and Works of Art auction on 29 March 2023.