Category Archives: Antiques

The Caterpillar Club

Posted on April 10, 2024 by Fellows
Caterpillar Club brooches – insignia of the club that no one wants to join. Caterpillar Club History It is hard to find a fully corroborated account of who founded this mysterious club. The basis remains the same. After hearing about a test pilot who was saved by his parachute during a failed test in 1922, an idea was formed. Maurice Hutton and Verne Timmerman (reporter and photographer for the Dayton Herald) and H. H. St. Clair ( a parachute engineer for the USA government) founded the club to recognise those airmen who had been saved by parachutes. While some reports say that Leslie Irvin of Irvin Air Chutes was involved from the beginning, there is little documentation about how the club came to be. To this day, it doesn’t have any official website, officers, or chapters. What we do know is that in 1926, the Irvin Air Chute Co. (now known as IrvinGQ) started issuing membership cards and golden caterpillar pins to those who had used their parachutes to escape from a disabled aircraft. Over the years, there have been three Caterpillar Clubs from different parachute companies- Irvin, Switlik and Pioneer. Of these three, only the Irvin and Switlik clubs remain. Club Membership IrvinGQ has reported that by 1939, membership of the Caterpillar Club had risen to 4,000 and included people from all over the world. This number increased at an extreme rate during the Second World War. The company now estimates that the lives of at least 100,000 people have been saved by an Irvin parachute. Interestingly, other clubs of this nature popped up during WWII. The Late Arrivals Club awarded its members a pin showing a boot with wings. This was to pay homage to the servicemen who bailed out of an aircraft behind enemy lines and walked back to safety. The Goldfish Club commemorated people who parachuted out over the water and relied on a dinghy for survival. It took inspiration from the Caterpillar Club and had as its sponsor P B Cow and Company of Farnborough who manufactured rubber aircraft survival dinghies, as well as other manufacturers of rescue dinghies. The Australian War Memorial website gives a lot more information on these clubs, as well as others. A History of The Caterpillar Club Caterpillar Club Brooches How to Join the Club A Caterpillar Club brooch (or pin) is literally a badge of honour for pilots who have been in the precarious situation of their aircraft going down. It is a testament to the aviator’s bravery and quick thinking during a dangerous situation. The Irvin website says that the only requirement to join is to have saved one’s life by an Irvin (IrvinGQ) parachute from a stricken aircraft. The club allows applications from both civilian and military personnel may apply. The exception here is that anyone who intentionally jumps from an aircraft may not apply. e.g. skydivers or parachutists. Anyone who does apply to become a member will need to give supporting evidence which Irwin will then verify. Irvin does not charge for the membership application, nor for the gold brooches. Design The Caterpillar Club brooches, also known as pins, are distinctive pieces of jewellery which immediately identify the wearer as belonging to this rare and mysterious club. Unsurprisingly, those who have earned them, value them highly. The IrvinGQ Caterpillar Club pins are gold in colour with red eyes. Reports vary as to the materials used in the production of this iconic pin. At Fellows, we have seen brooches with bodies made from solid gold or gilt; with eyes made from garnets or red enamel. We have found historic newspaper reports which mention eyes made from amethysts. However, we have never seen any such items through our auctions. The caterpillar brooch is three-dimensional with ridges along the back. It is styled to depict the insect’s natural form. The design makes the viewer think of the movement of the animal and is quite realistic. To the reverse of the brooch, you will find an inscription of the recipient’s name, and sometimes rank where appropriate. The pin itself is extremely small, which makes the level of detail even more impressive. It is less than 2cm long and weighs less than 1g. The Switlik Parachute Company has its own design. The silver brooches feature black enamel in the design of a caterpillar. In the black enamel, you can read the words “CATERPILLAR CLUB” in white relief on the front. This design does not tend to have inscriptions on the reverse. While there have been a few different designs and issuers of these types of pins over the years, The Irvin Caterpillar Club brooches are by far the most prevalent. The Mystery of Two Caterpillar Club Brooches In an auction in May 2023, we have for sale a pretty intriguing lot. This lot features two Caterpillar Club brooches, both awarded to the same man. One brooch is solid gold with red garnets for eyes; the other is base metal with red enamelled eyes. You can find out about Flight Officer Stead’s amazing story on our blog. The mystery of this lot is: why did one person have two brooches? Theory one: He was in the unenviable position of needing to be saved by a parachute twice. We can disregard this theory on two counts. Firstly, there is no mention of any other incident where Stead was involved in a life-saving parachute incident. Secondly, we have spoken to historians and Irvin themselves who have said that once a member has been inducted into the club, they do not receive another pin. Theory two: Stead lost his brooch and the second one is a replacement. When we spoke to Irvin, they did not have any record of a replacement being requested or issued. Their records are very detailed. Theory three: The base metal brooch was for everyday wear; the gold one was for formal occasions and mess dress. We can’t find any supporting documentation for this theory or for RAF officers being given leave to adorn their uniforms with Caterpillar Club brooches. Theory four: Gold brooches were not awarded at the time. This is the theory that holds the most water at Fellows HQ, for a number of reasons. Firstly, due to the supply and manufacturing issues of the Second World War, the production of non-essential jewellery was prohibited during the 1940s. This gave rise to the introduction of the utility mark on wedding rings in the 1940s. Given the fact that these brooches were not essential items like wedding rings or even identification bracelets and cufflinks, they would not have been able to be produced under license in the UK. We know this was a consideration for people applying to join the club from this clipping from a 1944 memo from the records of the 96th Bomb Group (US Army Air Corps) which specifically singles out the situation in the UK. Fold3 – Reel B0191 Unit History 1944 We also have to take into account that, although the event that would have allowed Stead to become a member of the club took place in 1943, he was a prisoner of war until 1945. While it is possible that he could have applied for and received the brooch while in prison (see the example of Rolex sending watches to prisoners during WWII), a piece of gold jewellery may not have made it to him there. While we may never know why this particular person had two brooches, it is fascinating to speculate and dig into the history of such a prestigious group of people. If you have any information or different theories, please send us an email to hello@fellows.co.uk Caterpillar Club Brooches at Auction We have had the privilege of selling a few Caterpillar Club brooches over the years. Why not take a look at some of the stories associated with these pieces of history? A 9ct gold Irvin Caterpillar club pin awarded to Sgt Bernard John Warren 1851650, 103 sqn. On 23rd April 1944 from Elsham Wolds he was aboard a Lancaster III. They were hit by flak and Warren baled out of the aircraft using a parachute. He was taken prisoner at Stalag 357 Kopernikus. Read more. Awarded to Flight Sargent Stanley Cranston Alldis, 57 Sqdn, while he was a bomb aimer aboard an Avro Lancaster Mk 1 11th November 1944. He was taken prison and held at Stalag Luft L7 Bankau. Sold for £1,365 (including fees) January 2024. Awarded to P/O C E Stead during an incident with a Lancaster Bomber on 3rd/4th of November 1943. Sold for £2795 (including fees) in May 2023. Awarded to Sgt. W. H. T. Farmer of the RAF due to an incident involving a Spitfire on 23rd July 1942. Sold for £2,169.20 (including fees) May 2022. Awarded to Sgt Frederick Gordon Spanner of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). He received several medals during his career including the Distinguished Flying Cross. Sold for £1,173.92 (including fees) April 2019. Awarded to Sgt. M. Skubiszewski. Sold for £1,531.20 (including fees) in November 2017. Valuations Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction. The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Virtual valuation appointments are also available. Find what you’re looking for Make sure you don’t miss finding that special something by signing up to our email alerts. You’ll be the first to know when catalogues become available, receive invitations to special events and preview the hottest lots from our auctions, plus much more. Why not use our free personal shopping service? Sign up for lot alerts and tell us exactly what you are looking for. Each time we upload a catalogue, we search for your keywords and email you lots matching your interests. Your personalised email will include images, lot descriptions and auction details. Alexandra Whittaker BA (Hons) | Head of Partnerships and Events
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Daniel Issac Eaton

Posted on February 28, 2024 by Fellows
Who Was Daniel Issac Eaton? Who was Daniel Issac Eaton? Good question. Until lot 209 was consigned to us, I would’ve asked the same question. Little known to history, Eaton was a writer and publisher, infamous during his time for his involvement with radical thought and doctrine. The late 18th century saw an international explosion of radical thinkers: the Age of Enlightenment was in full swing and Daniel Issac Eaton was an enlightened man. Daniel Issac Eaton’s Involvement in Radical Literature Radicalism was taking Great Britain by storm in the 1790s. Partly inspired by the philosophies of the Age of Enlightenment, Radicalism was not welcomed by many members of the establishment as its core principles aligned with anti-monarchist sentiments, with many ‘radicals’ campaigning for electoral reforms. Eaton often worked alongside these radical thinkers, publishing their works in his periodical Politics for the People. One such example was the publication of a speech that John Thelwall gave in 1793. In his statement, Thelwall joked about a tyrannical king whom he called ‘King Chanticleer’ who was beheaded by his subjects. After reprinting this speech, Eaton was arrested. This was one arrest out of many that took place between 1793 and 94 which later became known as the 1794 Treason Trials. Orchestrated by William Pitt, these trials were an attempt to quell the radical movement. The indictment against Eaton referred to him as ‘malicious, seditious, and evil-disposed‘. A man who attempted ‘unlawfully, maliciously, and sediously contriving, devising, and intending to scandalize, traduce, and vilify our said Lord King‘. The prosecutor claimed that King Chanticleer was a mockery of King George III, and to discuss beheading him would be treasonous. In an attempt to bankrupt him, Eaton was imprisoned for three months during the course of the trial. He was, however, acquitted, thanks to his defence – John Gurney. Gurney argued that rather than being an indictment of monarchy, the statement was in fact an indictment of tyranny. He continued that if the King Chanticleer was meant as a representation of any king it would be King Louis XVI, and if anyone was guilty of portraying George III in such a manner – it was the prosecution. Thomas Paine’s The Age of Reason You would think that Eaton’s involvement with John Thelwall and the Treason Trials of 1794 might’ve discouraged him from pursuing his radical beliefs. But this was not the case. Just a few years later he published The Age of Reason by Thomas Paine, the American Founding Father. Thomas Paine was a pivotal figure in the Age of Enlightenment, making his name as a revolutionary pamphleteer and political philosopher during the late 18th century. His influential works passionately advocated individual rights and the removal of monarchies. Moreover, he championed the school of thought ‘deism’. To him, this meant a belief in God the Creator, but a dismissal of all religious texts, religious mysteries, as well as reports of miracles. Enlightenment Deism asked its followers to approach religion with reason, to take the natural world as proof of God rather than resting on the words of a book or another man. Paine’s writings played a crucial role in garnering public sentiment during the American Revolution, inspiring people to seek independence from British rule. His ideas echoed Enlightenment principles of reason, secularism, and the inherent rights of individuals. The Age of Reason was a bestseller in the States, however, Paine remained a controversial figure abroad. In the UK, his work was not as positively received. Instead of becoming a best-seller, the book sparked anger amongst the British. The French Revolution was fresh in everyone’s minds, as such, they feared political radicalism and were hostile towards rhetoric that might incite this. The Trial of Daniel Issac Eaton Daniel Eaton published parts one and two of The Age of Reason in 1796, selling them for one shilling and sixpence, this would be around £7 in 2021. This price meant it was more affordable to the lower classes who may not have been afforded an education at this time. Radical ideas were becoming accessible. The Age of Reason promoted ideas of equality, freedom, and liberation. All of which resonated with the lower classes, and stoked an anti-establishment sentiment in the hearts of many. In 1812, Eaton was tried eight times and sentenced. During his trial, he was accused of being an atheist. Eaton challenged this, instead claiming deistic beliefs. The romantic poet, Percey Shelley, wrote to the judge the 4,000-word pamphlet A Letter to Lord Ellenborough in Eaton’s defence. In it, he argued for the concept of freedom of the press. Shelley claimed that he had waited for months for someone to come to Eaton’s defence, to point out, what he considered to be, the suppression of individual expression. But, when no one did, he decided to attack the sentence himself. Despite the lack of evidence to point to Eaton’s atheism and his support from Shelley, the jury pronounced him guilty. His sentence was particularly extreme; 18 months in Newgate Prison with monthly pillorying for his entire imprisonment. Unfortunately, this is where the story of Daniel Issac Eaton seems to drift off. As a man who has been largely forgotten by history, huge portions of his life are lost to us. However, this does not go to say that what we do have is any less interesting. The information we do have paints a picture of a man who stood by his beliefs and defended the right to individual thought. Daniel Eaton at Auction Lot 209 Great Britain, Middlesex. Daniel Eaton CU Halfpenny Token. Price Realised: £36.40 Monies, Medals & Militaria | Thursday 29th February 2024 Viewing times (ID required):
  • London
  • 20 February 2024 10.00-16.00
  • 21 February 2024 10.00-16.00
  • Birmingham
  • 28 February 2024 10:00-16:00
Virtual viewings are available by request. Virtual viewings are the ultimate personal shopping experience. Using Zoom, you can ask us whatever you need to know in order to buy with confidence. Find out more here. Valuations Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction. The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Virtual valuation appointments are also available. Find what you’re looking for Make sure you don’t miss finding that special something by signing up to our email alerts. You’ll be the first to know when catalogues become available, receive invitations to special events and preview the hottest lots from our auctions, plus much more. Why not use our free personal shopping service? Sign up for lot alerts and tell us exactly what you are looking for. Each time we upload a catalogue, we search for your keywords and email you lots matching your interests. Your personalised email will include images, lot descriptions and auction details. Cordelia Porter | Research Coordinator
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History of Tea: How The Georgians Take Their Tea

Posted on February 23, 2024 by Fellows
The History of Tea According to Chinese legend, some 5000 years ago, the mythical Emperor Shen Nung discovered tea’s ability to provide ‘vigour to the body, contentment to the mind and determination to the purpose’. The eighteenth to nineteenth century saw Britain wield a bloody, international campaign, to sustain the availability of its’ domestic population’s favourite beverage. Tea’s contemporary reputation as a quintessentially English drink exposes the entanglement of English notions of politeness and tradition with colonial violence.  History of Tea: Growing Popularity During the early 17th century, Portuguese and Dutch traders began to import black and green tea into Europe. By the time of 1657, the first orders of tea reached London. Queen Consort to Charles II, Catherine of Braganza, is credited with popularising tea at court. The introduction of this new beverage subsequently demanded the production of a vast array of new wares, for its preparation, service and consumption. Chinoiserie porcelain tea wares became the height of fashion and were often altered by European craftspeople to suit Western tastes. The craze for predominantly blue and white designs from East Asia therefore influenced pioneering European porcelain manufacturers to emulate these patterns. Lot 21 is an example of this phenomenon. Blue Fluted Pattern, inspired by East Asian wares, was the pattern from which Royal Copenhagen’s 248-year legacy was borne. This design was pre-dated by Meissen’s infamous and similarly inspired ‘Onion Pattern’ in 1731. Lot 21 Extensive Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted dinner and tea wares Price Realised: £14,300.00 The eminence of these manufacturers demonstrates the debt they owe to Chinese craftsmanship and the lucrative nature of tea-related business. Indeed, these patterns were produced as England’s tea consumption rose from about 20,000 to almost 6 million lbs between 1700 to 1768. History of Tea: Development of Tea Caddies and Wares Lockable tea caddies and the production of silver tea wares, such as Lot 104, 323 and 344, attest to tea’s status as a luxury commodity, and tea consumption as a mark of social distinction. Caddy keys were traditionally kept by the mistress of the house, in order to prevent theft from even trusted servants. Lot 104 Victorian jewellery casket, writing slope and tea caddy Price Realised: £136.50 Lot 323 Liberty & Co silver tea caddy Price Realised: £312.00 Lot 344 George III silver twin-handled pedestal tea urn Price Realised: £2,080.00 As with sets of porcelain, impressive silver tea sets and associated objects were bought and used for social gatherings, such as newly popular tea parties. Tea wares functioned similarly to clothes, carriages and furnishings- to express wealth to those in the owner’s intimate proximity.  The Boston Tea Party While tea was enjoyed as an integral element of sociability and leisure amongst England’s elite, Britain violently protected its interests throughout its Empire. The exorbitant taxation of tea exported to America led to protests in 1773. 342 chests of tea were subsequently thrown into the Atlantic, which was known as The Boston Tea Party. Afterwards, Parliament retaliated by shutting off Boston’s sea trade pending payment for destroyed tea. Tensions fuelled the eventual War of Independence.  Later, the East India Company’s refusal to meet China’s requests to trade for tea in silver bullion alone, and secretly trade in opium, led to Chinese authorities’ halting of Britain’s illegal dealings. After China seized approx. £2.6million worth of opium and banned trade, Britain declared what is now known as the first Opium War (1839-1842). Meanwhile, reports of uncultivated tea in Assam, India diverted the East India Company away from dependence on Chinese trade. The inhumane system of tea plantation indenture that thousands of Indian workers were forced into by British colonial rule. This motivated many to support the campaign for Indian independence.  Similarly, Britain’s enslavement of around 3 million people to labour on sugar plantations, enabled and fuelled Britons’ taste for tea sweetened by sugar. Before enslavement across all British colonies was outlawed in 1830, British troops were regularly deployed to suppress enslaved peoples’ resistance against the depravity inflicted on them. In 1816, a quarter of Barbados’ sugar crop were burned before colonial powers overpowered freedom fighters.   Our upcoming Country House Auction and Silver and Plated Ware sale holds an array of tea wares, that, similarly to your morning cuppa or 4 pm caffeine kick, are all linked to a fraught history of how far Britain will go to ensure its population remain caffeinated and refreshed. A Country House Auction | Tuesday 5th March 2024 Viewing times (ID required): Birmingham Friday 1st March 10:00-16:00 Monday 4th March 10:00-16:00 Tuesday 5th March 8:30-10:00 Silver & Plated Ware | Wednesday 6th March 2024 Viewing times (ID required): Birmingham Friday 1st March 10:00-16:00 Monday 4th March 10:00-16:00 Tuesday 5th March 10:00-16:00 Wednesday 6th March 8:30 – 10:00 Virtual viewings are available by request. Virtual viewings are the ultimate personal shopping experience. Using Zoom, you can ask us whatever you need to know in order to buy with confidence. Find out more here. Valuations Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction. The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Virtual valuation appointments are also available. Find what you’re looking for Make sure you don’t miss finding that special something by signing up to our email alerts. You’ll be the first to know when catalogues become available, receive invitations to special events and preview the hottest lots from our auctions, plus much more. Why not use our free personal shopping service? Sign up for lot alerts and tell us exactly what you are looking for. Each time we upload a catalogue, we search for your keywords and email you lots matching your interests. Your personalised email will include images, lot descriptions and auction details.
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Charles William Dyson Perrins

Posted on February 15, 2024 by Fellows
Life and Work Charles William Dyson Perrins (1864 – 1958) was the grandson of William Perrins, the co-originator of Lea & Perrins sauce. After his father, James Dyson Perrins, passed away, Charles William Dyson Perrins inherited the Worcestershire sauce factory. Despite the long-continued popularity, this is not where Perrins found his fame. Instead, he is best known for his philanthropy and love of pottery. Perrins lived in Worcestershire for most of his life and was particularly engaged in local charity. Among many things, he was a primary benefactor of the Royal Grammar School, where he also funded the construction of new buildings. At Oxford University, he also funded the building of the Dyson Perrins Laboratory which became the main research centre into organic chemistry between 1916 and 2003. In 1934 Perrins bought the Royal Worcester Porcelain Factory, funding it from his pocket to save it from bankruptcy, and in 1946 he established the Perrins Trust to ensure its survival. This eventually became the Museum of Royal Worcester which, to this day, holds the largest collection of Worcester porcelain in the world. Throughout his life, he amassed a huge collection of books. After he passed, his collection was distributed through auctions and museums across the country. His collection is considered one of the most important collections of books in the world with a particular focus on illuminated manuscripts. Today, items that once belonged to him are housed at historic institutions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum, the British Museum and Library, the National Gallery, and the Ashmolean Museum. Charles William Dyson Perrins at High Park However, the mystery remained of how this portrait of him ended up in the collection of the late owner of High Park. We know that Charles William Dyson Perrins never lived at High Park himself, but after some digging it was revealed that his son – Charles Francis Dyson Perrins, did. He lived at High Park between 1921 and 1940 before joining the military and serving in WWII. Not only that, but he also held the title of Lord of the Manor. It is believed that when the late owner purchased the house at auction in 1977, they purchased the portrait around the same time. Charles William Dyson Perrins Portrait at Auction Perrins had an undeniably interesting life and left an indelible mark in the cultural history of the West Midlands. Worcestershire, despite being a relatively small county in the UK, is now internationally famous for two things – Lea & Perrins sauce, and Worcester pottery. Charles William Dyson Perrins can be credited with having an instrumental role in the global reputation of both these things. His legacy is nothing short of impressive. It was a real treasure to uncover a portrait with such an interesting story to tell. The portrait is signed M. L. Walle(n/r), who we believe to be Mary Lemon Waller. Charles Dyson Perrins was painted by Mary Lemon Waller in 1901, the portrait of him and his wife was offered in Christie’s 28th July 2009 sale, lot 251. Lot 150 M. L Waller portrait of Charles Dyson Perrins Price Realised: £3,055.00 A Country House Auction | Tuesday 5th March 2024 Viewing times (ID required): Birmingham Friday 1st March 10:00-16:00 Monday 4th March 10:00-16:00 Tuesday 5th March 8:30-10:00 Virtual viewings are available by request. Virtual viewings are the ultimate personal shopping experience. Using Zoom, you can ask us whatever you need to know in order to buy with confidence. Find out more here. Valuations Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction. The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Virtual valuation appointments are also available. Find what you’re looking for Make sure you don’t miss finding that special something by signing up to our email alerts. You’ll be the first to know when catalogues become available, receive invitations to special events and preview the hottest lots from our auctions, plus much more. Why not use our free personal shopping service? Sign up for lot alerts and tell us exactly what you are looking for. Each time we upload a catalogue, we search for your keywords and email you lots matching your interests. Your personalised email will include images, lot descriptions and auction details. Cordelia Porter | Research Coordinator
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High Park History: A Country House Auction

Posted on February 13, 2024 by Fellows
The Land and Estate 800 – 1700 Despite being a relatively small parish, Salwarpe has a surprisingly interesting history. Long before High Park was built, the land, the park, and the estate passed through many hands and many important families. The earliest reference to Salwarpe that we could find dates to 817 when it was given to Denebernt, Bishop of Worcester, by Coenwulf, King of the Mercians. From there, the land was passed through many hands including D’Abitot, Roger de Montgomery, and William de Beauchamp, before being passed to Henry VII in 1487. In 1501 the land and estate were given to Katherine of Aragon for her marriage to Prince Arthur. She held it until her death whereupon it was bought by John Talbot in 1546. From then on, Salwarpe, the land and estate became the historic seat of the Talbot family. High Park 1700 – 1940 In 1738 Philip Gresley bought the land from the Talbots. It is believed that he built High Park, as a datestone on the house reads: “Gresley 1793”. Philip Gresley was the first person to live at High Park, and the first person to associate the title Lord of the Manor with the estate. After Gresley passed, he bequeathed the estate to Robert Archibald Douglas who took the name Gresely. High Park then stayed with the Douglas family until the Hingley family bought it in c1898. Lucy Hingley, who lived at the house, had a profound presence within the community as the founder of the Women’s Institutes Salwarpe branch. In 2021, the members of Salwarpes WI’s worked together to help clear Lucy’s family grave, preserving her memory. In 1921, the Hingley family sold High Park which was bought by the Dyson Perrins family, who lived there until the start of WWII. High Park: A Country House Auction In 1977 High Park was sold at auction and was purchased by the late owner, who left behind a substantial collection of items. As a lover of antiques, the owner left a carefully curated and fascinating body of objects and art. These objects now form the majority of our upcoming Country House auction. Lot 156 Victorian portrait of a lady in Spanish dress Price Realised: £455.00 Lot 320 Georgian Japanned secretaire cabinet Price Realised: £5,330.00 Lot 316 Mid 20th century croquet set Price Realised: £312.00 Lot 155 Countess of Northampton oil on canvas after Sir Peter Lely Price Realised: £1,690.00 Lot 6 Pair of Berlin (KPM) sweetmeat figures Price Realised: £182.00 Lot 75 Pair of alabaster and gilt metal candelabra and similar table lamp Price Realised: £169.00 Lot 226 19th century repeater carriage clock with enamel back plate Price Realised: £429.00 A Country House Auction | Tuesday 5th March 2024 Viewing times (ID required): Birmingham Friday 1st March 10:00-16:00 Monday 4th March 10:00-16:00 Tuesday 5th March 8:30-10:00 Virtual viewings are available by request. Virtual viewings are the ultimate personal shopping experience. Using Zoom, you can ask us whatever you need to know in order to buy with confidence. Find out more here. Valuations Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction. The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Virtual valuation appointments are also available. Find what you’re looking for Make sure you don’t miss finding that special something by signing up to our email alerts. You’ll be the first to know when catalogues become available, receive invitations to special events and preview the hottest lots from our auctions, plus much more. Why not use our free personal shopping service? Sign up for lot alerts and tell us exactly what you are looking for. Each time we upload a catalogue, we search for your keywords and email you lots matching your interests. Your personalised email will include images, lot descriptions and auction details. Cordelia Porter | Research Coordinator
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Stanley Cranston Alldis | Caterpillar Club Brooch

Posted on January 16, 2024 by Fellows
The Caterpillar Club The humble Caterpillar Club brooch. Measuring no more than 2 centimetres, these miniature lapel pins may seem unassuming. But if you take a closer look, if you perhaps turned one over, and if you look closely at the reverse – you will see a name. Behind that name, there will undoubtedly be a story. Here at Fellows, we have been privileged enough to tell four of these stories and this January for our Jewellery auction we’re able to tell a fifth. These brooches, gold with garnet eyes, were awarded to those people who bailed out of an aircraft and subsequently survived through the use of a parachute. More specifically, an Irvin Air Chute parachute. Because they are inscribed with the name of the person who jumped, we are often able to trace that person through military records to find service numbers and details of the event. As a matter of fact, just last year we were able to trace the life of C E Stead. Not only did we uncover more about his life before he joined the RAF, but we were able to find a first-person account of the incident that earned him his place in this elusive club. S. C. Alldis The most recent pin that we are fortunate to put to auction once belonged to S C Alldis, who we believe to be Stanley Cranston Alldis, service number: 1398378. Alldis was born in Sussex, in 1922. By the time WWII began, he would’ve been just 17 years old. He returned home at the end of the war and later married his wife, Brenda, in 1953 at age 31. He passed away aged 79 in 2002. While we might not have that much information about Alldis and his life at home, we do know that in 1957 he was awarded the Air Force Cross, examples of which we have seen in previous auctions. 11th November 1944 On the 11th of November 1944 at 16:54 an Avro Lancaster MK 1 took off, carrying seven men from No. 57 Squadron. Their names were Samuel Bowden (pilot), Lewis Wolfe Nagley (navigator), Cyril ‘Titch’ Bayford (air gunner), Sidney Charles Green (air gunner), Arthur Brett (flight engineer), James Aloysius McLaughlin (wireless operator), and Stanley Cranston Alldis (bomb aimer). Image credit to the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre They departed from East Kirby for an operation against the Rhenania-Ossag oil refinery in Hamburg. Just over two hours later, at 19:27 the Lancaster was hit with exploding shells fired from the ground. On the first impact, the flak hit one of the engines and a rear turret which were subsequently torn off. Image credit to the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre The remainder of the aircraft bounced and flew for over a kilometre until it finally crash-landed just outside Hamburg, near Beckdorf. Five out of the seven men on board were unfortunately lost to this accident. It is believed that the two survivors bailed out of the aircraft via parachute; Lewis Wolfe Nagley and Stanley Cranston Alldis, both men were then taken prisoner of war. In 2009 after over 60 years of research, the son of Cyril Bayford – the air gunner on board, was eventually able to track down the site of the crash. Consequently, he enlisted support from eyewitnesses and locals from the surrounding area, and with the assistance of an archaeologist, they were able to excavate the remnants of the plane crash. They found hundreds of items, including the pilot’s watch strap which was then returned to his family and given to his great nephew. Many of the items on board have now been returned to East Kirkby. These items are now part of the collection at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre. Sgt S. C. Alldis’s Caterpillar Club Brooch Shortly after bailing from the aircraft, Alldis was taken to and held at Stalag Luft 7 Bankau, near Kreuzburg. He was only 22 years old. Owing to this incident, Alldis earned a place in the Caterpillar Club. Our first Jewellery auction of the year will feature his brooch that commemorates this undeniably brave feat. Lot 55 Gold World War Two Irvin Caterpillar Club brooch Price Realised: £1,365.00 Our Antiques specialist, Alison Snowdon said: “We are thrilled to have had another Caterpillar Club consigned for our upcoming jewellery auction. Awarded to Stanley Cranston Alldis, this little gold brooch marks a moment of bravery with a life saved by the use of a parachute“. Previous Caterpillar Club Brooches at Fellows Lot 594 Two WWII ‘Caterpillar Club’ badges, engraved ‘P/O. C E Stead’, one gold Price Realised: £2,795.00 Lot 17 A 9ct gold red enamel ‘Caterpillar Club’ badge, engraved ‘Sgt. W. H. T. Farmer’ Price Realised: £2,169.20 Lot 4 A gold ‘Caterpillar Club’ brooch Price Realised: £1,173.92 Lot 11 A ‘Caterpillar Club’ brooch Price Realised: £1,531.20 Valuations Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction. The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Virtual valuation appointments are also available. Find what you’re looking for Make sure you don’t miss finding that special something by signing up to our email alerts. You’ll be the first to know when catalogues become available, receive invitations to special events and preview the hottest lots from our auctions, plus much more. Why not use our free personal shopping service? Sign up for lot alerts and tell us exactly what you are looking for. Each time we upload a catalogue, we search for your keywords and email you lots matching your interests. Your personalised email will include images, lot descriptions and auction details. Cordelia Porter | Research Coordinator
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William de Morgan

Posted on November 27, 2023 by Fellows
William de Morgan is perhaps one of the most influential potters to emerge out of the Arts & Crafts movement. A close friend of William Morris, many of De Morgan’s artistic principles were influenced by Morris’s philosophy. Born in 1839 to a liberal family, De Morgan’s parents never quelled his early artistic talents. His father, Augustus de Morgan, was a professor of Mathematics and his mother was an early suffragette. Life and Work Before De Morgan began his venture into pottery, he was inspired by his friendship with William Morris to experiment with stained glass. During this period, stained glass was in the midst of a renaissance with many Pre-Raphaelite artists looking to glass as a new medium to express their artistic pursuits. However, by 1872, De Morgan fully immersed himself in ceramics. Some of his designs from his early years were incredibly successful, with one design in particular ‘Bedford Park Daisy’ being produced for over 20 years. In 1888, due to sickness, De Morgan moved his workshop to Fulham, West London. His work from this time, known as the ‘Fulham Period’, is considered to be some of his most ambitious. A portrait of him shows him holding an impressive vase from this time. Our tiles, lot 53, are also from this period. A defining feature of his work is his preoccupation with Middle Eastern and Persian motifs. He looked to Eastern tiles for inspiration in theme, subject matter, colour, and glazing. In 1875 he began to work with what he understood to be a ‘Persian’ colour palette, limiting himself to reds, blues, purples, greens, and yellows. Despite his posthumous success, during his life his pottery never quite gained traction. In fact, it is reported that he once said “All my life I have been trying to make beautiful things, and now that I can make them nobody wants them”. His wife, the incredibly impressive Pre-Raphaelite artist; Evelyn de Morgan, supported William through financial difficulties until 1907 when he decided to leave pottery. As sad as this story sounds, his work is now widely collected, and he is acknowledged as one of the most enduring decorative artists of the late 19th century. After he left pottery, he turned in hand to writing. Surprisingly, despite his ceramics not garnering much success, his written works did. His 4 novels were sensations in both the UK and the US. Both Evelyn and William are remembered for their intense love for each other and their work. William de Morgan at Auction In our upcoming Antiques, Fine Art & Collectable auction we have a William de Morgan panel. What is so special about lot 53 is the fact there are two tiles, forming a continuous pattern. This is typical of De Morgan, however, it is quite rare to find two matching tiles together for sale today. As such, this lot presents an exciting opportunity for any budding collector or lover of the Arts & Crafts movement. These tiles are emblematic of De Morgan’s work: sinuous leaves in vibrant colours reminiscent of his Persian-inspired style, luminous blues, manganese purples, and greens. Lot 53 William de Morgan two tile panel Price Realised: £273.00 Valuations Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction. The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Virtual valuation appointments are also available. Find what you’re looking for Make sure you don’t miss finding that special something by signing up to our email alerts. You’ll be the first to know when catalogues become available, receive invitations to special events and preview the hottest lots from our auctions, plus much more. Why not use our free personal shopping service? Sign up for lot alerts and tell us exactly what you are looking for. Each time we upload a catalogue, we search for your keywords and email you lots matching your interests. Your personalised email will include images, lot descriptions and auction details. Cordelia Porter | Research Coordinator
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Charles and Nell Vyse

Posted on November 27, 2023 by Fellows
Charles and Nell Vyse were studio potters, renowned for their highly collectable colourful figures and experimentation with Chinese glazes. Generations of Charles’ family were employed in Staffordshire’s pottery industry. At fourteen, Charles was apprenticed to Doulton as a modeller and designer. During his training, Henry Doulton recognised his talents and soon after Charles was admitted to the Hanley Art School. He subsequently won a scholarship to the Royal College of Art. Nell, born Sarah W.B Edwards, had agitated for the Suffragette cause during her teenage years and was an active Communist. A trained singer, fluent in French and German and a specialist in ceramic chemistry, her expertise was comparatively wide-ranging. Vyse Ceramic Production Charles and Nell married in 1911. They subsequently established a pottery studio at Cheyne Walk in Chelsea in 1919. Here, they produced figurines of vendors typically seen on London streets, coveted by both a roster of celebrated actors and musicians. Owing to the popularity of the figurines, the Vyse’s were able to expand their business and employ a number of staff to assist production. The Vyse’s neighbour, George Eumorfopoulos, was a noted collector of Chinese Sung pottery, as well as Korean and Persian pieces. Charles and Nell’s careful study of these works inspired them to create similar pieces, for a contemporary, Western market. Nell’s linguistic skills meant that she could decipher 19th-century labelling on imported Chinese ceramics, allowing Charles to reproduce several Chinese glazes. The Vyses are acclaimed for their revival of chün and tenmoku glazes, and their works were sold at Walker’s Gallery on New Bond Street. After Cheyne Walk The destruction of Cheyne Walk studio during the Blitz coincided with the ending of Charles and Nell’s relationship. Charles began teaching at Farnham School of Art. After the war, he resumed production of character figurines, assisted by student Barbara Waller. Annual Exhibitions of his works at Walker’s Gallery continued from 1950, up until Charles’ 1963 retirement. Nell devoted herself to her political career and was a Communist Party candidate for St Michael’s Ward in Southwark in 1960. She was a veteran campaigner for housing tenants and advocated for pensioners. Like many women artists in proximity to male, artistic production, Nell’s accomplishments are undeniably shadowed by critical attention to her husband’s. A full account of the extent of her contributions to the Vyse partnership and diverse talents is yet to be published.  Charles and Nell Vyse at Auction Lot 3 Charles Vyse ‘La Folie Bergere’ Figurine Price Realised: £1,027.00 Lot 8 Charles Vyse for Chelsea Pottery Bowl Price Realised: £143.00 Lot 13 Blue and Purple footed Charles Vyse bowl Price Realised: £364.00 Lot 4 Large Charles Vyse for Chelsea Pottery vase Estimate: £300 – £500 Lot 2 Charles Vyse ‘The Cinneraria Boy’ figurine Price Realised: £910.00 Valuations Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction. The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Virtual valuation appointments are also available. Find what you’re looking for Make sure you don’t miss finding that special something by signing up to our email alerts. You’ll be the first to know when catalogues become available, receive invitations to special events and preview the hottest lots from our auctions, plus much more. Why not use our free personal shopping service? Sign up for lot alerts and tell us exactly what you are looking for. Each time we upload a catalogue, we search for your keywords and email you lots matching your interests. Your personalised email will include images, lot descriptions and auction details.
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Matthew Boulton Silver

Posted on November 15, 2023 by Fellows
Matthew Boulton: Early Life and Career If you’re from Birmingham, you’ve most likely heard the name Matthew Boulton before. At least I’d hope so! Boulton is perhaps one of the most influential figures in Brum’s history. Born in 1728, he left an undeniable mark on Birmingham as an inventor, engineer, and silversmith. Boulton is best known for his partnership with the Scottish engineer/inventor, James Watt. Watt developed one of the first steam engines that was commercially available. This was bankrolled by Boulton who also worked in partnership with Watts. This invention was instrumental in setting the foundation for the Industrial Revolution, and its impact cannot be denied. Moreover, Watt is the mind behind the concept of horsepower, the International System of Units, and the watt is named after him. Among other things, Boulton was also involved with coinage, establishing the Soho Mint in 1788. He also was a founding member of the Lunar Society – a group formed in Birmingham as a result of the Age of Enlightenment. And finally, he was an active supporter of the community, keeping a pew at St Paul’s Church (just down the road from us at Fellows!), and financing theatre and music groups throughout the city. Understandably, Boulton’s partnership with Watt meant that he was considered a world-famous figure during his lifetime. While James Watt has ultimately been credited for the development of the steam engine that paved the way for the Industrial Revolution – this would not have been possible without Matthew Boulton’s support, both financial and entrepreneurial. Both men were featured on the series F £50 note. However, Boulton was not satisfied with making just one name for himself. Alongside these impressive endeavours, Boulton also played a significant role in silversmithing circles. Silversmithing Surprisingly, Boulton didn’t formally train as a silversmith. His father was a toymaker and a silver stamper who specialised in small silver items such as shoe buckles. After his father died, Boulton inherited the family business. Using the capital he had accumulated through his marriages and his father’s inheritance, Boulton set his sights on growing the business. Firstly, he invested in 13 acres of land. Then a house for him and his relatives, Soho House, located in Handsworth. The house is now a museum managed by Birmingham Museums Trust. As well as a mill which he transformed into the Soho Manufactory. Here, Boulton started producing larger silver items than his father previously had, including decorative objects. It was actually at Soho that the first working steam engine was installed by James Watt. Boulton began to produce Sheffield plate in 1762, quickly becoming one of the largest producers in the country. By 1765, the company began to work with solid silver, expanding their repertoire to include objects d’art. One of the biggest difficulties that Boulton faced when growing his company was the lack of an assay office in Birmingham. During this time he would have to send his wares to either Chester or London in order to be assayed. As such, Boulton petitioned Parliament for the establishment of assay offices in both Birmingham and Sheffield. Although opposed by London silversmiths, his petition was passed in 1773. In our upcoming Silver & Plated Ware Auction, we have a stunning example from Boulton’s company. Although hallmarked for Birmingham 1820 – 11 years after Boulton passed away, the Matthew Boulton and Plate Company continued to use his maker’s marks until 1832. Matthew Boulton Silver at Auction Lot 61 An impressive Regency silver epergne by Matthew Boulton. Price Realised: £5,850.00 Valuations Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction. The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Virtual valuation appointments are also available. Find what you’re looking for Make sure you don’t miss finding that special something by signing up to our email alerts. You’ll be the first to know when catalogues become available, receive invitations to special events and preview the hottest lots from our auctions, plus much more. Why not use our free personal shopping service? Sign up for lot alerts and tell us exactly what you are looking for. Each time we upload a catalogue, we search for your keywords and email you lots matching your interests. Your personalised email will include images, lot descriptions and auction details. Cordelia Porter | Research Coordinator
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Patrick Mavros

Posted on November 15, 2023 by Fellows
Patrick Mavros Patrick Mavros is a Zimbabwean sculptor and jewellery designer. His internationally coveted pieces are inspired by the surroundings of his sanctuary in the Umwimsi Valley. Although he is baker by trade, Mavros’ design career began when he spent time recuperating from an illness by carving his wife, Catja, a pair of earrings. Shortly after, Catja’s hairdresser and her patrons saw Mavros’ designs. Presently, demand grew which supported the growth of a family business. All 2000 products have been designed by a member of the Mavros family, including all four of Mavros’ sons. Commitment to Wildlife The Mavros brand’s immersion in the wildlife that they live amongst is undeniably evident in the timeline of his creations. As a matter of fact, 1987 saw Mavros cast his first silver elephant, now the brand logo, after Zozo the baby elephant arrived to live on the family farm. The elephant has since featured across some of the most iconic Mavros designs, such as the Candelabra Pair, Hair Bangle and Ele Mustard Pot. Mavros’ commitment to the environment is also reflected in their conservation and design projects. 10% of the proceeds from sales of the Pangolin collection are donated to the The Tikki Hywood Foundation, which supports the protection of the species. The oil spill off the coast of Mauritius motivated the family to design a dedicated bangle. The subsequent sale of which supports the work of The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation. With a workshop in Zimbabwe, atelier in Mauritius as well as flagship store in London, Patrick Mavros is an international brand that seeks to intimately connect audiences with the majesty and beauty of the Mavros family home. Counting The Duchess of Cambridge as a loyal customer, with also Prince George gifted baby elephant figures, Mavros’ naturalistic pieces are anticipated to generate considerable interest. Patrick Mavros at Auction Lot 240 Rolled Pangolin silver sculpture, by Patrick Mavros. Price Realised: £1,287.00 Lot 241 Elephant herd silver paper knife, by Patrick Mavros. Price Realised: £338.00 Lot 245 Three organic silver sculptures, in the style of Patrick Mavros. Price Realised: £143.00 Valuations Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction. The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Virtual valuation appointments are also available. Find what you’re looking for Make sure you don’t miss finding that special something by signing up to our email alerts. You’ll be the first to know when catalogues become available, receive invitations to special events and preview the hottest lots from our auctions, plus much more. Why not use our free personal shopping service? Sign up for lot alerts and tell us exactly what you are looking for. Each time we upload a catalogue, we search for your keywords and email you lots matching your interests. Your personalised email will include images, lot descriptions and auction details.
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The Abolition Movement

Posted on November 14, 2023 by Fellows
From 1640 to 1807, Britain dominated the trade in enslaved people, trafficking around 3.1 million African people to British colonies. Only 2.7 million of those survived the ‘middle passage’ between homeland and colony. During the 18th century, anti-slavery sentiment rapidly grew. Subsequently, opposition was formalised in 1787, with the establishment of The Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade. Their twelve founding members included twelve Quakers, responsible for organising the first anti-slave trade Parliament petition in 1783, as well as laundered campaigners Thomas Clarkson and Granville Sharp. The Society advocated for an end to Britain’s participation in the international slave trade, rather than the liberation of enslaved people. This was because they believed that the British system of enslavement would naturally die, as a consequence of divestment from trade. The Society sought to educate and raise public awareness of the abuse suffered by enslaved people through various activities. Such as, the publication and writing of books and pamphlets, and lecture tours promoting them. They also boycotted products produced by slave labour, organised rallies and raised funds. Shortly after, in 1807, Parliament announced the abolition of the trade or transfer of enslaved people. Their goal achieved; The Society disbanded. The Fight for Emancipation 1823 saw the organisation of the Society for the Mitigation and Gradual Abolition of Slavery Throughout the British Dominions. Motivated to abolish the state of enslavement under British law, this revitalised Anti-Slavery Society consisted of many old, and new, agitators. Many members grew dissatisfied with the tentative nature of the push for ‘gradual’ emancipation. Most notable was Birmingham-born Elizabeth Heyrick, a founding member of the first women’s anti-slavery society. Heyrick’s pamphlet, ‘Immediate, Not Gradual Abolition’ argued for enslavement as ‘a sin to be immediately forsaken’. While emancipation was passed in 1834, coercive labour continued under apprenticeship schemes until 1838. Ex-enslavers received £20 million of compensation for the loss of enslaved labour. This sum was paid by taxpayers and was subsequently invested back into various commercial and cultural interests at home. Compensation therefore bolstered the British economy when plantations no longer could. Liberated people and their ancestors have never received reparations. Visual Language of Abolition The abolitionist movement has gained recognition as the first social movement with a dedicated visual identity. The kneeling and shackled enslaved man, pleading ‘Am I Not A Man and Brother?’ was first drafted by Henry Webber for Josiah Wedgwood, as the official seal for The Society. The image was rendered on a number of fashion and homeware commodities, from bracelets to cushions. The man’s undignified supplication, produced specifically to symbolise and officiate the abolitionist movement, defines the conditions of the Society’s agitation on enslaved people’s behalf. This is, that freedom is not an enslaved person’s intrinsic right, but Britain’s to grant. Wedgwood’s seal denies the possibility of enslaved people’s self-liberation, and in doing so, bestows all power to the benevolent abolitionist who hears his brother’s plea. The image of a kneeling, enslaved person awaiting British permission, asserts the abolitionist mission as loyal to colonial racial hierarchies. The same relationship is reiterated within images of emancipation, in which liberated people dance, bask and exclaim at news of their freedom. Chains are replaced with jubilation and gratitude for the ‘gift’ of freedom, which again reiterates the idea that self-determination was never an option. These images anxiously reject instances of black autonomy that troubled many white Britons. Interracial relations in Britain and self-liberation from enslavement, in the form of escape, suicide and rebellion, were a constant source of concern for both abolitionists and enslavers. Indeed, the 1831-32 Baptist War in Jamacia and 1784-1801 Haitian Revolution reminded Britons of the danger that violent resistance to enslavement posed to them. Such images, across all forms, are valuable testaments to the dynamics that informed an important chapter of British history, the legacy of which remains at the forefront of British society today. Abolition and Enslavement at Auction Lot 515 Great Britain. Middlesex CU Anti-slavery 1/2 Penny Token. Price Realised: £110.50 Lot 521 Great Britain. William IV White Metal ‘Abolition of Slavery’ Medal. Price Realised: £247.00 Valuations Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction. The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Virtual valuation appointments are also available. Find what you’re looking for Make sure you don’t miss finding that special something by signing up to our email alerts. You’ll be the first to know when catalogues become available, receive invitations to special events and preview the hottest lots from our auctions, plus much more. Why not use our free personal shopping service? Sign up for lot alerts and tell us exactly what you are looking for. Each time we upload a catalogue, we search for your keywords and email you lots matching your interests. Your personalised email will include images, lot descriptions and auction details.
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Pathway Project & Rediscovered By Danielle

Posted on September 15, 2023 by Fellows
This September, we are working with Danielle Bayliss from Rediscovered By Danielle to raise awareness for The Pathway Project. Pathway is a domestic and sexual abuse service based in Lichfield & Tamworth, Staffordshire. They offer a range of support services and run two refuges in the county. As part of a collaboration with us, Danielle picked out a set of pine bedside cabinets from one of our Antiques auctions to upcycle. She absolutely transformed the tables from plain, unloved pine to wonderfully colourful, unique pieces of furniture. All profits from these bespoke commissioned pieces will be donated to The Pathway Project. Rediscovered By Danielle Danielle Bayliss creates quality, hand-painted, bespoke, upcycled furniture from her workshop in Lichfield, Staffordshire. She hand-selects vintage and antique furniture which she then upcycles to create one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture for her clients. She chronicles her projects on her highly popular Instagram account, Rediscovered By Danielle. Here you can see her transformations in glorious technicolour. The recently upcycled matched pair of pine bedside cabinets feature Lot 405 in the upcoming Antiques, Fine Art & Collectables auction. The sale of this lot will raise money and awareness for The Pathway Project. The Pathway Project The Pathway Project is a domestic and sexual abuse service. Their vision is to build a future where adults and children affected by abuse live safely and free from fear. They work hard to ensure that every adult and child who seeks support from them is given an opportunity to engage in services that can help them make the journey from victim to survivor. To give you an idea of the scope of their work in Staffordshire, Pathway has shared some statistics from the last year with us. They have received 1,442 phone calls through their helpline. Helped 803 adults, children, and young people affected by domestic and sexual abuse through 6,824 hours of support. The demand for their services is immense but their resources are limited. Of the 840 referrals they received for their refuges, they were only able to place 76 families. This means that over 90% of those referrals were turned away – that’s 764 people.Donations are integral to the project’s success. Money raised not only pays for the items that service users need but also funds the front-line services that are in such high demand. If you would like to donate, you can do that via their website. You can also purchase items from their Amazon wishlist. The Pair of Bedside Cabinets Upcycled by Danielle Lot 405 A matched pair of pine bedside cabinets, upcycled by Danielle Bayliss for The Pathway Project. Estimate: £30 – £50 Danielle Bayliss from Rediscovered by Danielle said, “I was thrilled to be asked by Fellows to create something for such a worthwhile charity like The Pathway Project and really hope the tables raise some funds and awareness for the great work they do.” Debbie Thain, Community Outreach and Fundraiser Officer at The Pathway Project said, “We are so grateful to Danielle Bayliss and Fellows Auctioneers for choosing to support Pathway Project with this charity Lot in their Antiques, Fine Art & Collectables auction.  All the money raised from the upcycled pieces will help support victims of Domestic and Sexual Abuse in the local area. Often the men, women and children we support find themselves with absolutely nothing when fleeing abuse and your money allows us to help them not only emotionally but in a practical way whether they are in one of our refuges or the wider community.” Previous Collaboration with Danielle for The Pathway Project We previously worked with Danielle in December 2022. As part of a collaboration with us, Danielle upcycled and donated a chest of drawers to Pathway. The chest of drawers was given it to a family escaping domestic violence and abuse who were setting up a new home. Many of their service users have to leave home with very few of their possessions and need to start completely from scratch. It is not only clothes and homewares they need but furniture too. If you would like to try your hand and restoration or upcycling, we have quite a few pieces in our upcoming auction. Furniture items start from lot 352. Valuations Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction. The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Virtual valuation appointments are also available. Find what you’re looking for Make sure you don’t miss finding that special something by signing up to our email alerts. You’ll be the first to know when catalogues become available, receive invitations to special events and preview the hottest lots from our auctions, plus much more. Why not use our free personal shopping service? Sign up for lot alerts and tell us exactly what you are looking for. Each time we upload a catalogue, we search for your keywords and email you lots matching your interests. Your personalised email will include images, lot descriptions and auction details. Krishna Vara | Social Media Executive
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The Barlow Sisters: Hannah Barlow

Posted on September 15, 2023 by Fellows
Hannah Barlow and her sister Florence were renowned artists who worked at Royal Doulton and their work is now highly sought after as collectables. Their unmistakable style, which pays homage to the beauty of the natural world, is undeniably recognizable in the field of ceramics. While both sisters were captivating individuals, today we will delve into Hannah’s life and artistry. Hannah Barlow – Early Life Born in 1851 in Little Hadham, a small village in Hertfordshire to a bank manager, Hannah Barlow was one of nine children. Her family later moved to a spacious house in the countryside where they began to keep animals. It was here that Hannah’s passion for all things four-legged was ignited. Her whimsical sketches of anthropomorphised animals in their daily lives showcased her sense of humour. Hannah was often photographed with her beloved pets in her later years, revealing her endearing character. Unfortunately, at age 15 Hannah’s father passed away. Subsequently, their large family home was sold and they moved to a smaller cottage. Shortly after, she enrolled at the Lambeth School of Art. This school had a focus on decorative arts, and practical design, rather than fine art; painting, drawing, and sculpture, During her time at Lambeth, she worked as a freelancer for Doulton & Co, alongside her brother Arthur. However, they didn’t formally join the company till 1871. Florence and Hannah Barlow at Doulton It is reported that Hannah Barlow was the first woman Doulton formally employed. Although there was an inherent hierarchy that placed male potters – ‘master-potters’, at the top of the pecking order, Hannah’s employment is still a testament to the changing opinion towards female creatives. Lot 90 – A Royal Doulton stoneware vase. Price realised £638. Shortly after she began work at Doulton, her sister Florence joined. It became quickly evident that Hannah would be the painter of animals, while Florence focussed on flowers. This was undoubtedly influenced by her busy childhood, surrounded by animals and wildlife. After Florence, another of Hannah’s sisters – Lucy, joined Doulton as well. The company was growing quickly and just nine years after employing their first woman artist, Doulton employed over 200 women in many roles throughout their workshop. Hannah quickly rose through the ranks, becoming known as one of the most impressive artists and a specialist when it came to animal designs. She excelled in sgraffito, the method of scratching away the top layer of clay to reveal a pattern made up of the colour underneath. Hannah’s style is undoubtedly full of personality and life, the technique of sgraffito allowed her nature to spill into her work, resulting in endearing and enchanting designs. Among her colleagues, she was known for her eccentric personality, it is often said she would keep small animals; frogs and mice, in her pockets for company while at work. Later Career Just 5 years after Hannah joined Doulton, she suffered an unknown physical injury that cost her the use of her right hand. While it’s not known exactly what this injury was, it’s speculated that it might have been related to repetitive motion and exposure to the cold and damp clay. However, the loss of her hand did not stop Hannah, she simply began to use her left! The quality and quantity of her work did not diminish. She continued to produce an average of 20 pieces a day. The V&A now boasts a collection of many of her pieces, but also paintings that show Hannah in the middle of her work. One small watercolour by William Rowe shows the three Barlow sisters in a line painting their vases. Another painting, larger and an oil, by Alfred Morgan, shows the whole ceramics process, from throwing to firing. Completely dedicated to her work, Hannah continued to be recognised in the company as a committed member of staff. She is immortalised at the Doulton & Co headquarters as above the door there is a panel showing Henry Doulton seated, alongside other male potters, and to their left sits Hannah. She is the only woman in this panel, engrossed in her work, with her cat peaking its head from beneath her chair. This panel completely encapsulates Hannah’s legacy. An animal-loving, eccentric woman, taking her place in an industry dominated by men. Hannah continued to work up until 1913, passing away just three years after her retirement in 1916. Her legacy continues in her charming work which remains a testament to her playful personality. Highly valued among collectors of Doulton & Co, Hannah was a prolific artist. In my opinion, she deserves to be recognised alongside other early women artists of the late 19th century. At Auction Lot 36 A pair of Royal Doulton vases by Hannah Barlow Price Realised:  £650.00 Lot 37 A pair of Royal Doulton ewers by Hannah Barlow Price Realised:  £260.00 Cordelia Porter | Research Coordinator
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The Sankey Club

Posted on September 14, 2023 by Fellows
A legacy from Dr. Joseph Sankey led to the establishment of The Sankey Club in January 1949. Sankey was a Consultant Surgeon at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. The Club promotes medical knowledge and to provide opportunities for members to hear from experts across various fields. It is supported by University Hospitals Birmingham Charity. The current Silver & Plated Ware | Monies, Medals and Militaria sale features a collection of silverware from the Sankey Club, the sale of which will raise funds for the Club’s mission. This collection is notable for its representation of a diverse range of local figures, central to Birmingham’s rich medical and metalworking history. Professor Dame Hilda N. Lloyd Hilda Lloyd (1891-1982) is a pioneer of women’s health. After graduating from Birmingham Medical School in 1916, she returned from various training and junior posts in London as a resident in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Birmingham Maternity and Women’s Hospitals. Lloyd qualified as a surgeon in 1920. She then progressed from lecturer to professor and then chair of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 1946. During her work as a surgeon and physician, Lloyd recognised the correlation between poverty and rates of STDs and dangerous, self-managed abortions experienced by female patients. She established flying squads, and carefully organised teams of obstetricians, midwives and medical students armed with vital equipment, to serve the most socioeconomically deprived communities of 1930s Birmingham. Lloyds’ attendance to the needs of women neglected by mainstream healthcare saved countless lives. Her provision of transfusion supplies ensured that many women survived self-managed abortion, at a time when death rates were high due to the highly restrictive nature of UK abortion laws. Lloyd’s commitment to women’s health, dignity and professional development is evident across her varied work.  She was one of an influential group of obstetricians and midwives responsible for the ‘Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths’, which since 1951 has collected information about deaths during pregnancy and childbirth. She further co-founded the Women’s Visiting Gynaecological Club, when only men’s clubs existed, and advocated for mothers to continue their careers after childbirth. Lloyd’s Legacy In 1949, Lloyd became the first female President of a Royal Medical College, at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. She was unanimously re-elected twice. The year after, she became the first woman on the General Medical Council. Dame Hilda Lloyd’s legacy is celebrated across cultural heritage and medical circles: -There is a blue plaque dedicated to her contributions at the University of Birmingham – The Dame Hilda Lloyd Network is a West Midlands-based network that supports research and clinical care. Stanley Morris and Cyril J. Shiner, The Sankey Club Morris and Shiner both studied at the Birmingham Central School of Art, under esteemed silversmith and head of the department of metalwork, Bernard Cuzner. Both silversmiths enjoyed illustrious careers and created nationally significant works. Cyril J. Shiner designed the trophy for the winner of the King’s Vase race at the 1940 Royal Ascot. Organisers cancelled the race due to wartime conditions and repurposed the trophy as the Dunkirk Cup, commemorating the naval action of the Dunkirk evacuation of that year. Lord Queenborough bought the cup at auction and donated it to the Admiralty to retain at the National Maritime Museum. During the 1930s, Stanley Morris received the Messenger Prize, the John Henry Chamberlain Medal prize, and two Goldsmiths Company Scholarships. When he was just 19 (1938), Morris made the ‘Crozier Head’. The materials for which were paid for using scholarship funds. It is one of his best-known works and can be seen on display at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. Morris specialised in ecclesiastical, domestic and civil works, and many of his pieces designed for churches are still in use around Birmingham. The Sankey Club Collection at Auction Lot 100 A mid-20th century silver mounted & hardwood presentation bowl. Estimate: £500 – £700 Lot 101 A mid-20th century Scottish silver presentation vase. Price Realised:  £572.00 Lot 102 A 1930’s silver mounted presentation table cigarette box. Price Realised:  £468.00 Lot 103 A silver mounted presentation table cigarette box. Lot 104 A mid-20th century silver mounted presentation box. Price Realised:  £455.00 Lot 105 A pair of mid-20th century silver candlesticks, each on hardstone base. Price Realised:  £455.00 Lot 106 A large mid-20th century silver presentation chalice & cover. £800 – £1,200 Lot 107 A pair of mid-20th century silver twin-branch candelabra, each on hardstone base. Price Realised:  £767.00 Valuations Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction. The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Virtual valuation appointments are also available. Find what you’re looking for Make sure you don’t miss finding that special something by signing up to our email alerts. You’ll be the first to know when catalogues become available, receive invitations to special events and preview the hottest lots from our auctions, plus much more. 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Convict Tokens

Posted on September 12, 2023 by Fellows
Convict Tokens Convict tokens are coins, smoothed and engraved with a message of affection for loved ones, by people sentenced to transportation to New South Wales, now Australia, during the 18th and 19th centuries. These momentos are a valuable insight into the emotional and personal experience of people whose historical representation is otherwise limited to their criminal status. Copper coins were most often transformed into tokens, due to the softness of this metal. After smoothing the coin, a sharp tool was used to engrave or stipple the surface with the desired design. Some convicted people paid for the services of peers who were literate, skilled craftspeople or metal workers to make their tokens, while others fashioned their own. Bonds were likely formed between prisoners, as they trusted and collaborated with one another to create these meaningful pieces. Tokens often include the name or initials of the convicted person and their loved one or ones. As well as the length of the sentence, dates of the conviction and pictures. Tokens also incorporated known verses and motifs rich in meaning, such as love hearts, figures in chains and anchors. ‘When this you see, remember me’ is a popular phrase that featured on objects exchanged between loved ones about to be separated, across social classes, including convict tokens. Many are also pierced, designed to be worn close to the recipient’s body on a chain. Convict tokens express heartbreak, fear and love, and are a rare expression of agency for many who never had the opportunity to voice their own experience or defend their actions. Moreover, the emotive nature of these tokens is distinct against the cold authority of official documentation, that record convictions, sentence and conduct. Historical Legacy British Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger’s colonisation of New South Wales as a penal colony in 1786 initiated the transportation of people convicted of felonies. In 1787, the First Fleet departed with 763 prisoners. Scholars estimate that around 160,000 people were taken against their will to New South Wales. However, transportation was abolished in 1840. The end of transportation was associated with other causes gaining traction in Britain at the time, such as the abolition of transatlantic enslavement and colonial independence. The National Museum of Australia holds 315 convict tokens, ranging from 1762 to 1856- the world’s largest collection. Most of the tokens were acquired by the museum in 2008, from British dealer and collector Timothy Millett. Millett’s mission to research the people named on the tokens and uncover their stories was regularly obstructed by families wishing to conceal their ancestor’s criminal conviction. This attests to the difficult and often unaddressed legacy of the history of convict transportation, and associated objects. Convict Tokens at Auction Lot 369 Nineteenth Century Convict Transportation Token, dated 1829. Price Realised:  £975.00 Valuations Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction. The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Virtual valuation appointments are also available. Find what you’re looking for Make sure you don’t miss finding that special something by signing up to our email alerts. You’ll be the first to know when catalogues become available, receive invitations to special events and preview the hottest lots from our auctions, plus much more. Why not use our free personal shopping service? Sign up for lot alerts and tell us exactly what you are looking for. Each time we upload a catalogue, we search for your keywords and email you lots matching your interests. Your personalised email will include images, lot descriptions and auction details.
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