Auction Insights

The Winter auction at Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood of Exeter looks to be another ample and fascinating offering. These quarterly events always contain fine and selected pieces, curated into an enticing seasonal offering, and this next auction taking place on 17th/18th January is no exception.

The jewellery and silver disciplines are now offered in a separate, stand-alone auction, so this sale now begins with the Ceramics and Glass section, highlights of which include a group of Ruskin high-fired vases from a single owner collection. Prices for these rarities have risen dramatically as the more modern interior look has grown in popularity, (lots 158-167). There is also the usual comprehensive offering of traditional British and Continental porcelains, as well as a group of good Oriental ceramics –a regular feature in BH&L’s auctions. Lot 54 is a stand-out piece, a Chinese underglaze blue and yellow Dragon saucer dish, offered at £2000-3000*. Also amongst the china, but encompassing silver, works of art, pictures and furniture too is a comprehensive collection of Wiccamica –items relating to Winchester College and the iconic Trusty Servant painting, portraying a figure emblematic of the attributes of the perfect steward –items ranging from tea sets to a door from the ship Winchester Castle, (lots 291-346)

Amongst the pictures included in the sale are two fine pairs of oils by the Dutch old master Jan van Gool, very much of the Arcadian Landscape type for any buyer who wants the instant stately home look. Reputedly previously at Kitley House, Yealmpton, each pair is estimated at £8000-12000*.

The large furniture section contains the usual swathes of oak, walnut and mahogany, amongst which items suiting pretty much any taste can be found –from 17th century Jacobean rusticity through 18th century flights of giltwood frippery, to butch rosewood furniture of the Regency period –and everything else besides. One remarkable lot (1289) is a pair of extraordinary Restauration mahogany and parcel gilt fauteuils (open armchairs), almost certainly by Jacob-Desmalter of Paris, furniture makers to Napoleon Bonaparte. These will be offered with the estimate of £2000-3000*.

*NOTE: Lots subject to Buyer’s Premium of 30% incl. VAT @ 20%