I met Ian in my restoration studio during his first years as an Old Master collector. I could always hear his old Vespa approaching from the corner, and I’d know immediately that the most intense ten minutes of the day were about to begin.

I would switch off The Archers, set down my paintbrush and palette, and prepare to give him my full attention as his uncontainable excitement for a new painting broke the calm, almost static atmosphere of the studio.

The works he brought were often torn, dirty, and worn by time. Layers of yellowed varnish would be so thick that the subject was barely visible. He couldn’t wait to begin his “assaggi” - the saggi di pulitura, those small cleaning tests - and from there he would start guessing author and provenance, confidently naming painters so obscure that I had no shame admitting I’d never heard of them. He would patiently share everything he knew, instilling in me the same passion for the game of attribution.

We attended auctions together, combining his deep knowledge of art history with my understanding of conservation. We weighed value, debated condition, and plotted strategy for the day of the sale: how high to bid, when to raise the paddle, whether to hide behind a column or take our chances in the last row.

During auction week Ian became so absorbed that he often forgot to eat. He’d grow irritated at my stomach rumbling at 4pm when we still had to get to Phillips - and had, in his view, absolutely no time to waste.

Ian’s collection became, in a way, our early family. His discoveries, the fruits of his relentless curiosity, his hunger for art and for life in all its creative forms - these were unique, contagious, and unforgettable.

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Auction Details

Wednesday 28 January 2026 | 10.30am GMT
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

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VIEWING:

• Viewing in London (highlights): The Clock House, 11 John Street, WC1N 2EB
  • Tuesday 13 January: 11am-3pm
  • Wednesday 14 January: 11am-3pm
  • Thursday 15 January: 11am-3pm
• Viewing in Newbury (full sale): Donnington Priory, RG14 2JE
  • Sunday 25 January: 10am-3pm
  • Monday 26 January: 10am-4pm
  • Tuesday 27 January: 10am-4pm
  • Wednesday 28 January: 9am-4pm

Further information:
General enquiries: +44 (0) 1635 553 553 | housesales@dreweatts.com
Press enquiries: press@dreweatts.com