George Oakes (1927-2017)

A director at Colefax & Fowler, Oakes led the firm’s fabric, wallpaper, and carpet design studio from its inception in the 1970s until his retirement in 1993, while also running the paint studio and undertaking commissions for murals, floors, painted furniture, and lighting. His designs, often inspired by late-eighteenth and nineteenth century patterns, helped shape fabric and wallpaper fashions of the 1970s and 1980s, lending historic sources a spirited prettiness through English flora and fauna, animated by his confident use of colour and originality of eye. His work appeared in houses including Nancy Lancaster's Haseley Court, Grimsthorpe Castle, Sezincote House, Daylesford House, and West Green House, while his specialist paint colours and decorative schemes, in collaboration with the great John Fowler, contributed to rooms at Buckingham Palace, 39 Brook Street, Ramsbury Manor, Clandon, Château Latour, the Turf Club, and Christ Church, Oxford.

Since his death in 2017, Oakes has remained a much admired personality in the continuing story of the iconic design house Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler, having been an important influence and inspiration on the house’s distinctive decorative language. Indeed, many of his designs remain in production and are very much popular today.

Surrenden House and the Collection

Housed at George and Judith's home, Surrenden House, for over 40 years, the collection reflects Oakes’s distinctive eye: scholarly yet spirited, rooted in historic decorative tradition yet animated by humour, colour, and originality. Alongside works connected with his celebrated decorative practice and his friendship with John Fowler, the sale will feature painted furniture, textiles, works on paper, decorative objects, lighting and studio materials. This offers collectors and admirers of English interiors a rare opportunity to acquire pieces associated with a designer whose influence continues to resonate.

Wendy Nicholls, Chairman of Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler, commented, “George Oakes eschewed ‘sweetness’ in his work, choosing unusual colours and unconventional subjects - cabbages, turnips, radishes. He painted lovely birds, flowers, pots and plates, often contained within classical cartouches. He had a great sense of humour; a stimulating and wonderful person to work with, he caused you to think and to try your hardest to be fresh and original.”

Talking about the collection, Joe Robinson, Head of House Sales and Private Collections, said, “George Oakes occupies a very special place in the story of English decorative art. His work combined deep knowledge of historic interiors with a wonderfully inventive eye, and his influence can still be felt in the way country house interiors are understood and enjoyed today. This collection offers an intimate insight into his world - from the objects that inspired him to pieces connected with his own remarkable decorative practice. We are pleased to present works from the collection as part of our inaugural At Home sale, where they sit so naturally within Dreweatts’ long tradition of celebrating the English country house.”

At Home

The collection of George Oakes forms part of the inaugural instalment of At Home, a series of dedicated monthly sales, featuring the very best in decorative works of art, furniture, and pictures to come to the market. Accompanied by a new printed pocket catalogue featuring expert insights from renowned tastemakers, the sale also takes pride in promoting the voices of the next generation in the world of interiors. Each At Home sale will offer thoughtfully curated pieces for every style, and for every stage of collecting, and on demand, making it a key resource for all decorating projects.

Auction Details

This is a timed online auction, ending on Thursday 1 October, from 10.30am BST.

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VIEWING:

Specially Curated Window at Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler (highlights only): 89-91 Pimlico Rd, London SW1W 8PH:

• Tuesday 8 September: 10am-5pm
• Wednesday 9 September: 10am-5pm
• Thursday 10 September: 10am-5pm
• Friday 11 September: 10am-5pm
• Saturday 12 September: 10am-3.30pm
• Monday 14 September: 10am-5pm
• Tuesday 15 September: 10am-5pm
• Wednesday 16 September: 10am-5pm
• Thursday 17 September: 10am-5pm

Viewing at Dreweatts Newbury (The Collection of George Oakes only): Donnington Priory, RG14 2JE

• Friday 25 September: 10am-4pm
• Saturday 26 September: 10am-3pm
• Sunday 27 September: 10am–3pm
• Monday 28 September: 10am–4pm
• Tuesday 29 September: 10am–4pm

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