Antique and Modern Chairs

Like Goldilocks, are you looking for a chair that is just right? The auction features a fantastic selection of antique and modern examples, including armchairs, sofas, side chairs, hall chairs and dining chairs. A highlight is Lot 313, a pair of modern low armchairs, designed in George III style. Both are upholstered, one in the 'Indus Linen' fabric by Robert Kime, and the other in a classic stripe printed fabric.

Another highlight is Lot 312, a matched pair of beech 'garden' chairs, which come to auction from a private collection in Berkshire. These are both designed by Ince & Mayhew, but differing in date, with one dating to circa 1800, and the other later. The term 'garden' chair derives from the stability due to the width and the low stretcher design that would prevent the legs sinking into turf. The Gothic fret-pattern in the top rail corresponds to patterns published in Mayhew and Ince's Universal System of Household Furniture, 1762. Similar chairs were used as hall chairs at Houghton Hall in Norfolk and Ince & Mayhew are believed to have provided a closely related example for Henry, 1st Earl of Digby for the library at Sherborne Castle, Dorset.

Traditional Sculpture

The auction also features sculpture in both the traditional and more contemporary styles. A nice piece is Lot 329, a ceramic bust of a child. It is made after the sculpture by Desiderio da Settignano which is held in the National Gallery Washington, and a cast copy in the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Models of Birds by British Artists Karen Fawcett and Alan Glasby

For the budding ornithologists and birdwatchers, we have two naturalistic models of UK native birds. One is a ceramic model of a snipe by British artist Karen Fawcett (Lot 360); the other is a patinated bronze of a woodcock by British sculptor Alan Glasby (Lot 353).

Alan Glasby (1945-2008) started his career as an explosives engineer, a career which was to span 35 years, and led to him being awarded the George Medal for bomb disposal duties in 1974, followed by an OBE in 1991 for his work in the post Gulf War ammunition recovery operation. As a keen sportsman, with an interest in target rifle shooting, he won multiple competitions, including two national championships, a World Championship team Gold medal and Her Majesty the Queen's Medal for champion shot in the British Army. 

It was not until 1988 that Alan decided to try his hand at sculpture, having been inspired by a colleague who had taken up decoy carving. Although he never received formal artistic training, Alan developed his own style. Having always had an interest in wildlife, all of his sculptures are birds, produced in limited editions in bronze and patinated by himself. His work is widely collected across the UK and abroad.

A Dolls House

A rather fun item is Lot 383, a delightful large 20th century dolls house, perfect for a children's playroom. It comes complete with a selection of dolls and furniture designed in the antique style to suit the interiors.

Auction Details

Thursday 8 August, 10.30am BST
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

Browse the auction
Sign up to email alerts

VIEWING:

• Viewing in Newbury:
  • Friday 2 August: 10am-4pm
  • Sunday 4 August: 10am-3pm
  • Monday 5 August: 10am-4pm
  • Tuesday 6 August: 10am-4pm
  • Wednesday 7 August: 9am-4pm