On 8 & 9 March 2022, we have our Fine Jewellery, Silver, Watches and Luxury Accessories auction, to include silver and tableware from the private collection of style icon, philanthropist and taste-maker, Victoria, Lady de Rothschild (1949-2021).

Victoria was born to an American father and married the British banker Sir Evelyn de Rothschild, of the illustrious Rothschild banking family. On moving to London, she managed to cross the transatlantic divide into British society. She was well-connected, wealthy and with her impeccable taste she amassed a spectacular private collection of art works, iconic design pieces, silver, tableware, furniture and jewellery. She was incredibly popular and her connections led her into the designing of aspirational dinner and drinks parties, such as her daughter’s 21^st birthday party, which involved turning The Royal College of Art into El Morocco.

Her collection was meticulously curated over the years with the help of her great friend, the British designer, Tomasz Starzewski, who famously designed her Chelsea apartments and would advise on additions to her collection.

James Nicholson, Deputy Chairman and International Head of Jewellery, Silver and Watches at Dreweatts said, “Dreweatts is delighted to offer such an array of wonderful pieces directly from the tables of the ultimate taste-maker and queen of entertaining, Victoria Lady de Rothschild. She was a true champion of modern design and supported innovation and experimentation, which is demonstrated by the stunning pieces offered in the sale. Her flawless taste was much admired and I’m sure therefore that this collection will prove to be very popular.”

Highlights from the collection

The silver and tableware included in the sale are unique statement pieces by a range of designers, from antique to contemporary. Among the highlights is a pair of Late George III silver gilt twin-handled cups by the greatest English goldsmith and silversmith of the 19^th century, Paul Storr (1770-1844). Storr was notable for his exquisite tableware, as well as his magnificent Royal commissions for grand monumental pieces.  This pair of beautifully detailed cups date from 1817 and are estimated to fetch £6,000-8,000 (+ fees).

A sleek silver pitcher by revered Danish artist and designer, Henning Koppel (1918-1981) is an exciting addition to the sale. Koppel was best known for his designs for the Danish silversmith and designer Georg Jensen (1866-1935), who he worked with throughout his life. The pitcher dates from 2006 and is estimated to fetch £3,000-5,000 (+ fees).

The 'Thirst Extinguisher’ is the name of an Art Deco electro plate cocktail shaker by luxury Jewellers and silverware makers, Asprey. The sleek narrow design is inscribed with a range of different cocktail recipes around it. Its size makes it perfect for any size party! It is estimated to fetch £800-1,200 (+ fees).

A silver parcel gilt oak leaf candle holder by the silversmith and metal engraver Malcolm Appleby is a charming addition to the sale. Malcolm is known for his experimentation in metal, which he has crafted for over fifty years, creatively pushing the boundaries of metalwork. He attained an MBE for his services to the arts in 2014 and his work can be found in many public collections. The candle holder was created in 2006 and carries an estimate of £2,000-3,000 (+ fees).

A very contemporary piece in the sale is a cream-coloured bisque porcelain pouring vessel titled ‘Chalice’ by the Dutch designer Aldo Bakker. The piece is stream-lined and sculptural in form combining practicality with beauty. It is estimated to fetch £600-800 (+ fees).

Eight silver thumbprint salt cellars in the sale are by the late Italian jewellery designer Elsa Peretti (1940-2021). Peretti began creating jewellery for several fashion houses in 1969 and quickly gained recognition in the Jewellery field, winning the 1971 Coty Award for Jewelry Design. She was signed to Tiffany & Co in 1974 to design silver jewellery and did not look back. It was a landmark for Tiffany, introducing a new range in silver for the first time. It proved extremely popular and sealed Peretti’s career as an esteemed Jeweller and silversmith. Peretti designed a total of thirty collections for Tiffany, predominantly jewellery, but also some homewares, like the set of salt cellars in the sale. A charming addition to any home, they are delicate, yet sturdy, in an enduring style that is sure never to go out of fashion. The set dates from 2002 and is estimated to fetch £300-500 (+ fees).

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Auction details

Tuesday 8 & Wednesday 9 March | 10.30am
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

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VIEWING:

• Viewing in London (highlights only):
  16-17 Pall Mall, St James's, London SW1Y 5LU
  • Tuesday 22 & Wednesday 23 February: 10am-5pm
• Viewing in Donnington Priory (full sale):
  Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE
  • Thursday 3 & Friday 4 March: 10am-5pm
  • Sunday 6 March: 10am-4pm
  • Monday 7 March: 10am-5pm
• Remote Viewing Service | Available from Thursday 3 March.
• Our specialists will be providing detailed conditions reports and additional images as requested.