The sale included property from three of the best and most experienced names in the business, all well known for their 'eye' and their integrity and renowned for their sophisticated and playful curation of furniture and objects, filling their galleries with 20th century design sitting effortlessly alongside 18th century furniture and works of art, demonstrated by the vibrant mix of items included in the sale. 

"It is increasingly rare to get excited about an auction; all too often there's too much tat and not enough treasure. But a sale put together by some of the most interesting and sophisticated antiques dealers around is something to really look forward to. I, for one, can't wait..." - Rupert Thomas, Editior, The World of Interiors

For over 30 years, James McWhirter has dealt in furniture and works of art from the 18th century to the present day. Three years ago, James joined forces with Alexander di Carcaci, who himself has been dealing in antiques since 1984, initially sourcing for interior decorators.. Alexander spent much of his early life in Rome and Sicily, thus adding an innate continental flavour to this successful collaboration. Their Langton Street gallery is an ever revolving carousel of quirky and historic objects.

James Graham-Stewart has been dealing in antique furniture for more than twenty years, having previously worked for Christie’s. He specialises in pieces of historical significance and that are in original condition. His taste and style leans towards the unusual and tries to avoid what he calls ‘polite’ furniture. To James, provenance is key. 

Dreweatts teamed up with eminent photographer Miguel Flores-Vianna who captured the sale in a series of beautiful interior images, as well as leading interior decorators and aesthetes who have contributed their insights regarding the country house aesthetic.

Will Richards, Dreweatts Deputy Chairman, commented 'It has been a very enjoyable collaboration with James McWhirter, James Graham-Stewart and Alexander di Carcaci, and we are thrilled that it was a success for everyone. It shows that the market is still strong for well curated event sales and single owner collections. The fact that it made 75% above pre-sale estimates and had a 95% sell through rate, bears this out.'

Sale Highlights

The sculpture was strongly contested, sale highlights included Lot 215, a set of four monumental Italian sculpted white marble busts emblematic of the Four Seasons, follower of Orazio Marinali (1643-1720), 18th century | Sold for £30,000 (hammer price)

Lot 188, an Italian specimen marble bust of Roma after the Antique, late 18th century, portrayed wearing a helmet relief carved with vignettes of Romulus and Remus with the Capitoline wolf | Sold for £15,000 (hammer price)

Lot 187, an impressive life-size plaster model of Germanicus, or Marcus Claudius Marcellus as Hermes Logios, after the Antique | Sold for £12,000 (hammer price)

Lot 223, a large Chinese Famille Rose vase and cover, Qing Dynasty | Sold for £3,500 (hammer price)

Lot 173, a George II painted console table, attributed to William Jones, circa 1740 | Sold for £11,000 (hammer price)

Lot 290, a rare William IV figural papier mache tray by Jennens & Bettridge, circa 1835 | Sold for £6,000 (hammer price)

Lot 304, a matched pair of fine French enamelled cast iron jardinieres by E. Paris & Cie, circa 1880 | Sold for £9,500 (hammer price)

Lot 138, Daphne Fedarb (British 1912-1992), Still life with lime and jug, oil on canvas | Sold for £4,000 (hammer price)

Lot 207, a Chinese high-fired vase, Qing Dynasty, 19th century | Sold for £3,500 (hammer price)

CONSIGN TO A FUTURE AUCTION
Our Valuations Team is on hand to offer any advice and there are a variety of ways you can get a valuation. For individual items or small collections: 

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For larger collections, to discuss a home visit or any other valuation services, please contact our Valuations Team on 44 (0) 1635 553 553 | valuations@dreweatts.com