Auction Insights

East Down Manor | The collection of the Late Simon Scott-Brown

Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood Fine Art Auctioneers and Valuers proudly present the contents of East Down Manor, the cherished abode of the Late Simon Scott-Brown, for auction on June 18th. The viewing and auction takes place at our Exeter Saleroom.

Containing over 400 lots, ranging from paintings and ceramics to furniture and works of art, this sale unveils the rich tapestry of history woven into the walls of this Grade II* listed Georgian estate, nestled in the serene rural Devon landscape.

Formerly the residence of Simon Scott-Brown, a dynamic artist and London based interior designer, the manor's contents reflect his eclectic and vibrant life journey. Notably, his propensity for visual storytelling and appreciation for colour and line shine through the carefully selected paintings adorning the manor walls. Each lot tells a story, and bears witness to the indelible imprint of a life well-lived. Scott-Brown's eye for quality and penchant for visual storytelling are evident throughout the collection, which includes carefully curated pieces from Portobello Road and beyond.

Among the highlights is an impressive Italianate hall side table, possibly attributed to a design by William Kent, evoking the grandeur of the manors entrance hall. With its breche d’alep marble mounted top and carved pine frame, boldly decorated with scrolling acanthus, mythical birds, and animals, it is offered with an estimate of £40,000 - £60,000.

The art collection is equally captivating, with notable oil paintings including ‘Study by Lamplight’ by Henry Herbert La Thangue (estimated at £2,000 - £3,000), sourced from London’s Portobello road. This painting, with its vibrant bright red hues, captures a moment of timeless beauty and contemplation. The artist is mostly associated with the Newlyn School of painters, who are predominantly known for open-air painting, therefore this study of artificial light in an interior is somewhat unique. There are also signed watercolours by James Lawson Stewart (British,1829-1911), including ‘Georges Shooting Gallery’, ‘Leicester Square’ and 'Bleak House', all views of ‘Dickensian’ London produced during his lifetime. The Museum of London holds other similar examples by the same artist. ‘Young Lady of the House’ painted by Harold Speed (British, 1872-1957), depicts the artist’s daughter seated by the piano. Similar portraits of seemingly the same girl have been sold previously at auction, however this painting bears a label and envelope to the reverse identifying the sitter as his daughter.

Another highlight includes a Goyardine canvas leather bound and brass mounted steamer trunk by Malles Goyard, with a leather lined interior, having brass carrying handles to the side, and bearing a brass plaque inscribed 'Malles Goyard 233 Rue St Honore’, which is expected to fetch between £2,000 - £3,000. From larger furnishings to smaller items, like the 'Mouseman' carved oak table lamp and pair of Japanese Arita bottles (circa 1700), each items tells a story of its own.

Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood have a long history dealing with Country House & private single owner collections. Our attention to detail, wealth of knowledge and expertise, ensure that our vendor’s beloved collections are marketed successfully worldwide.