Ms Hempel, made her mark in design when she opened London’s first 5 star boutique hotel Blakes, in South Kensington in 1978, followed by The Hempel in London’s Bayswater. She was presented the prestigious Andrew Martin Lifetime Achievement Award by HRH Princess Michael of Kent in 2022 for ‘her elusive, impossible to define but instantly recognisable design.’

She describes her former country residence Shaw House as “a happy place” and glancing through the interiors one can see why, as throughout the house she showcases her familiar and unique design techniques that have brought her world-wide acclaim. These include architectural effects such as a play on perspective, dramatic colours emulating various periods and styles, as well as textural fabrics, alongside effective groupings of furniture, set within clever lighting designs that capture the rich colour palette she uses to infuse comfort and style into this nine-bedroom manor house.

The auction titled: Anouska Hempel: Designer At Large will take place online at Dreweatts on 15 August 2023. It will include furniture, paintings and other works pertaining to the Hempel design ethos spanning contemporary to antiquity. Commenting on the sale, Joe Robinson, Dreweatts Head of House Sales & Collections said: “Anouska Hempel, a doyen of English interior design, has an iconic aesthetic characterised by bold pattern, fascinating objects and an innate sensibility for atmosphere within an interior. Dreweatts are proud to be offering this collection which stands as a record of her impeccable eye and offers buyers an opportunity to capture works that are ‘AH approved’.”

Among the highlights from this iconic style include a carved marble portrait head of Polideuce, Roman, possibly circa 170-177, estimated to fetch £3,000-5,000. A walnut and Italian marble topped centre table is estimated at £1,000-1,500.

Also offered in the auction, is a French printed ten-fold screen from the second half of the nineteenth century carries an estimate of £800-1,200 and a pair of contemporary kilim upholstered chairs are estimated to fetch £700-1,000.

Among the artworks is a 17th century oil painting titled Portrait of a Young Girl with a Lamb (English School), which has an estimate of £2,000-3,000 and another oil portrait titled Portrait of a Boy and Girl is by the Royal Academy trained British portrait artist George Spencer Watson (1869-1934) which carries an estimate of £8,000-12,000.

Lot 56, is an etching with drypoint and aquatint, titled Can-Can is by the French artist Louis Icart (1888-1950), celebrated for his charming etchings, sketches and paintings, which helped him stake his claim in the history books of the 20^th century. He also produced prints from the etchings and both are highly sought-after. The popularity of his work reached its’ height in the Art Deco period and Icart become an emblem of the epoch. It is estimated to fetch £5,000-7,000.

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Auction Details

Tuesday 15 August, 10.30am BST
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

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VIEWING:

• Saturday 12 August: 10am - 3pm
• Sunday 13 August: 10am - 3pm
• Monday 14 August: 10am - 4pm
• Tuesday 15 August: from 8.30am