Sir William Whitfield CBE

Sir William Whitfield, who died in 2019 at the age of 98, was one of the most distinguished architects of his generation. Over his long career, he developed a design approach that combined contemporary progressive trends alongside great historic architectural tradition.

His most notable projects include: Richmond House in Whitehall; the redevelopment of Paternoster Square; Hawksmoor's architectural masterpiece, Christ Church, Spitalfields; and Tusmore Park, Oxfordshire, winner of the Georgian Group award in 2004.

The Collection

In 1967, Sir William and his partner Andrew Lockwood saved St Helen Hall from demolition and over the course of the next four decades, restored it to its former glory.

This rare collection derives from their fascination, and deep knowledge, for the decorative arts and an impulse to buy and research what they loved. The result is a fusion of styles and an unmissable sale comprising of key items such as a George II marble topped commode, formerly in the Leverhulme Collection (fig.1). 

A fine Paris historical tapestry from the Story of Queen Artemisia, second quarter 17th century, Faubourg Saint-Marcel workshops, to the design by Antoine Caron and cartoons of Laurent Guyot, possibly woven by Francois de la Planche (fig.2).

A set of six George II style carved gilt wood side chairs possibly from 10 Downing Street (fig.3).

An important set of eight carved wall panels by Anton Leone Bulletti who's original drawings are in the V&A (fig.4).

And a portrait of a young man said to be Giovanni de Medici after Agnolo Bronzino, formerly at the Villa de Medici (fig.5).

AUCTION DATE & LOCATION
Tuesday 10 & Wednesday 11 March 2020
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

VIEWING IN LONDON:
25-27 February: 10am-5pm

VIEWING AT DONNINGTON PRIORY:
Thursday 5 March: 10am-5pm
Friday 6 March: 10am-5pm
Saturday 7 March: 10am-2pm
Sunday 8 March: 10am-2pm
Monday 9 March: 10am-5pm
Day of sales: from 8.30am

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