Wimpole Street presides over London’s fashionable Marylebone that was developed with great flair from the mid 18th century by the astute William Bentinck, 2nd Duke of Portland who aimed to rival neighbouring Mayfair. Leasing plots for the building of imposing neoclassical houses with wrought iron railings and grand facades, the area soon attracted the most fashionable of 18th century society. The importance of keeping an impressive house in London was essential for a family of note to maintain and develop both political and social influence allowing them to impress, entertain and participate on the correct social stage for ‘the Season’ as Society gathered in London from spring to early summer. Most prominent families did so and from the early 18th century the Dukes of Rutland maintained palatial Rutland House, in relatively rural Knightsbridge, before the 5th Duke in 1816 re-established it in St James’s until it was sold in 1934 to the Royal Overseas League who remain happily there today.

In Wimpole Street too, many of the splendid houses have long since been transformed into embassies, offices, flats and eminent medical consulting rooms. Still largely residential, the area radiates a slightly rarified but deeply civilised air. The sale by my good friends comprises a long, hidden family collection from one of the most perfectly preserved of these splendid and complete Georgian town houses which has given as much pleasure to them as to us. It is a rare survival indeed, complete with splendid original Adam period neo-classical interiors uncorrupted by the sweeping changes and tastes of later periods. Indeed the atmospheric cellars have remained untouched for almost a century still with the servants’ now silent bell board recalling a bygone age: rather comically, the passages were once a regular secret underground escape route for a young Sir Paul McCartney whilst he lived with Jane Asher and her family next door.

The collection which has emerged from this idyllic Georgian setting, was formed over generations by a discerning family with a deep interest and pride in England, and is sure to capture the imagination of many as it always did me. The house and collection lent itself to a glittering backdrop for wonderful parties and occasions and it was always such a great pleasure to visit as well as reciprocate at Belvoir. Eighteenth century furniture and paintings were thoughtfully displayed in the magnificent period rooms, and the most significant pieces have been carefully researched and preserved revealing a deep interest in great 18th century works of art, underpinned by historical curiosity fused with scholarly integrity and an overriding desire for comfortable living. I have always believed that one should use the beautiful pieces we are lucky enough to own, as these friends always have, as it ensures their continued life and memories for continuing generations. This was experienced in no greater way than in the dining room magically lit for dinner with the carefully chosen antique porcelain and silver glittering before us as wonderful evenings began.

As often with collections several prominent themes stand out: 18th century British portraiture including works by pre-eminent artists including Sir Joshua Reynolds, Allan Ramsay and Sir John Hoppner; classic English furniture of the best period is evoked by a roll call of the greatest makers including Thomas Chippendale - father and son - Ince and Mayhew, and Gillows. Many come with histories from England’s most brilliant homes and families with great collections: Badminton House, Clumber Park, Luscombe Castle, Dyrham Park, and even Windsor Castle. There are also pieces which belonged to renowned American collections formed more recently, including the great Henry Francis Du Pont at Winterthur, Delaware - whose collection remains one of the high points of America’s so-called ‘Gilded Age’.

Chief among the wonderful furniture that catches my eye is the rare set of six giltwood chairs from the famous suite of elegant seat furniture commissioned around 1773 from Thomas Chippendale by Lord Melbourne and his scandalous wife for the splendid Saloon of Brocket Hall. Heroic portraiture, which I love, is represented here by an unusually enigmatic portrait by Allan Ramsay of the great naval hero Admiral Boscawen, painted for his daughter Elizabeth to take to Badminton on her marriage to Henry Somerset, 5th Duke of Beaufort. Coincidentally Elizabeth’s sister-in-law was Henry’s beautiful sister, Isabella, who had married the dashing 4th Duke of Rutland. Coincidentally his brothers and father, the famous Marquess of Granby, had also admired Ramsay and had all sat for him for their portraits. Immortalised too are the wistful portraits by John Hoppner of the beautiful Countess of Mansfield, sometime chatelaine of Kenwood House and her second husband, Robert Fulke Greville the one-time equerry of George III famously depicted in The Madness of King George. They married nearby at St Marylebone Church in 1797 just as the building Wimpole Street had finally been completed. 

The scholarly and historic objects which form the highpoints of the collection are also cleverly balanced with charming Chinese lamps, comfortable sofas and chairs. Colourful rugs, baroque tapestry hangings and embroidered seats give warmth and texture among the polished mahogany and inlaid satinwood. But not all is English or ‘classic’ - among the traditional furniture and portraiture, there are fascinating and unusual pieces: a pair of curious French mahogany bedside cupboards, a secretaire by a Boulogne maker, a Regency cabinet embellished with carved and painted Chinese Buddhistic emblems. This timeless mix of Englishness and curiosity is what underpins and holds together so many collections from these isles which - as is evident in the case here - are formed with dedication, taste, discrimination and considerable style and are ready now to capture the eyes of other future custodians.

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Auction Details

Town and Country: The Collections from Cairness House and a Historic Townhouse on Wimpole Street

Wednesday 31 January, 10.30am GMT
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

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