The day kicks off with a private collection, this time from the estate of the late Victoria, Lady de Rothschild. Demonstrating her clear love of modern design, the 34 lots on offer are focussed mainly around ceramics, including works attributed to British Studio ceramicist Helen Felcey (Lot 351), as well as Continental designers such as Gotlind Weigel (Lot 353) and Piet Stockmans (Lot 349). 

Also included are five lots of modern porcelain in the manner of Yayoki Kusama. The artist is best known for her instantly recognizable models of pumpkins which have become fixtures of contemporary art and popular culture. The versions here are probably produced by the United Wilson Porcelain factory which is head quartered in Hong Kong. Lot 358 are decorated in the usual yellow colour way and are estimated at £200-300 (+ fees).

The sale then continues with the collection of the late Jean-Claude Ciancimino, the Pimlico based designer and antique dealer. Many of the pieces in this collection are his own personal designs. Particularly striking are two similar Art Deco style simulated shagreen cabinets (Lot 369). In two colourways, one in cream, the other in pale green, these would be ideal as bedroom cabinets in an Art Deco inspired décor.

The remainder of the sale comes from other properties and vendors. Amongst the strong Decorative Art offering, a highlight is Lot 382, a chandelier from the well-known glass factory of Baccarat. Following the Zenith pattern, originally designed by Philippe Starck, the model is still available new today from the factory. The website lists it as the ‘iconic Baccarat chandelier par excellence, the Zenith collection showcases the meticulous finery of Baccarat’s craftsmanship’. It is an impressive 85cm high overall and 75cm wide.

Lot 523 is a rare item, it is a gilt bronze inkstand or standish, dating from the Art Nouveau period of the early 20th century. It is modelled as three Heroically nude men pulling a cabochon set lidded octagonal casket from the surf. It is stamped to underside for the maker "Tiffany Studios New York” and numbered 1038. It comes together with a receipt, paperwork and accompanying exhibition catalogue by Max Koffler for Art Focus, St Moritz 1998. The inkstand offered in this lot is illustrated on page 160 of the catalogue. With the rarity and provenance of the item, it carries an estimate of £5,000-7,000 (+ fees).

Bringing up the end of the sale we have Lot 642, a rather fun French 1930s child’s pedal car modelled as a vintage motor vehicle. With its period styling it evokes in me fond childhood memories of the opening scenes of Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang, and whilst we can’t guarantee that this car can ever fly or float, we are sure your child would be the envy of all they survey!

Auction Details

Tuesday 21 & Wednesday 22 February | 10.30am GMT
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

Browse the auction
Sign up to email alerts

VIEWING:

Viewing in Newbury :

• Day 19 February: 10am-3pm
• Day 20 February: 10am-4pm
• Day of sales: from 8.30am