Flora Soames, Interior Designer

"To view the sale of Ken Bolan’s collection is to see the wide sweep of an adventurous career. Whether a lesser-known Roman figure or a striking pair of mid-century modern cabinets, Ken is the master of finding the unusual, the eye-catching and the characterful."

Flora's Top Picks

Lot 73: A pair of gilt metal and upholstered tub chairs, designed by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin, circa 1970 | Est. £1,500-2,500 (+ fees)

"I have always loved this shape of chair and used them re-upholstered in an array of fabrics in my projects. They are streamlined and chic - and give a nod to the sense of decadent design that was apparent in the 1970s."

Lot 80: A Swedish carved, cream painted and upholstered sofa, in Louis XVI style, late 19th century | Est. £1,200-1,800 (+ fees)

"I love this Swedish elegant sofa - combined with the contrast of the unlikely coral coloured Claremont mohair that it is upholstered in."

Lot 117: Paul Evans (1931-1987), a pair of chromium polished steel side cabinets, by Paul Evans, for Directional's Cityscape Collection, circa 1970 | Est. £15,000-25,000 (+ fees)

"This wonderful matching pair of Paul Evans sideboards is a staggering deal (and opportunity) for the person looking to make an impact in a room of the right proportions. True glamour and integrity in design."

Lot 130: A Swedish blue painted side or centre table, circa 1740 | Est. £3,000-5,000 (+ fees)

"A sturdy, attractive simple design for a robust hallway table."

Kit Kemp, Founder of Firmdale Hotels

"If ever I needed an object big, bold, beautiful and totally unique I would make my way to Ken Bolan. He has always been a problem solver with great imagination. He thinks on a big scale, with a brilliant eye for the unusual."

Kit's Top Picks

Lot 106: Teshigahara Sofu (Japanese 1900-1979), Untitled, Sheet Copper | Est. £10,000-15,000 (+ fees)

"This will look amazing beside tall Redwood trees or equally in a clearing in a beechwood forest. Love the shadows it will create at different times of the day."

Lot 38: A pair of terracotta seated lions, possibly French, 19th century | Est. £1,000-1,500 (+ fees)

"I love their neat and tidy hair do’s. They would make me smile whilst welcoming us onto the stone terrace leading into the garden."

Olivia von Halle, Founder of Luxury Loungewear Brand Olivia von Halle

"I’ll never forget the first time I walked into the gallery on the Kings Road. It was love at first sight. I had fallen in love with dresses, shoes, and handbags before, but this was different. Each piece was a work of art, something to be treasured and yet also enjoyed every day. Over the years I have been lucky enough to take home a lot of those first pieces that I fell for, and my house in Notting Hill is something of a shrine to Ken’s inimitable style. He is a true visionary, and I have never been more excited for an auction!"

Olivia's Top Picks

Lot 57: λ A polished brass and glass dining table, by Alain Chervet, circa 1977 | Est. £3,000-5,000 (+ fees)

"This is the most ridiculously beautiful dining table, how could any dinner party be anything but utterly fabulous when you are sitting round this!"

Lot 172: A large brass mounted faux tusk mirror, circa 1970 | Est. £600-800 (+ fees)

"I love the unashamed glamour of this piece and fell for it years ago when I first saw it at Talisman."

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Auction Details

Tuesday 14 May, 10.30am BST
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

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VIEWING:

• Viewing in Newbury:
  • Friday 10 May: 10am-4pm
  • Saturday 11 May: 10am-3pm
  • Sunday 12 May: 10am-3pm
  • Monday 13 May: 10am-4pm
  • Tuesday 14 May: 9am-2pm
• Remote Viewing Service | Available from Saturday 11 May
• Dreweatts 360 Virtual Auction Tour | Available from Friday 10 May