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There is often a misconception that buying art at auction is expensive, especially when it comes to modern pieces. We’ve all seen the jaw-dropping sums commanded by graffiti artists or Turner prize winners, but what about pieces at the other end of the spectrum? Here are five examples of affordable modern art at auction that would fit into any interior setting and carry estimates below £500:
Affordable Modern Art: Still Life
Lot 351
Small, naïve still life.
Estimate: £40 – £60
This small, rather charming oil on board has been much admired in our office. The image itself is only 11cm x 7cm, but featuring domestic items (a loaf of bread, a Willow pattern plate and a half glass of pale ale) this naïve painting takes influence from the centuries-old traditional of still life painting. Sadly, we don’t know the artist as it appears unsigned.
Affordable Modern Art: Minimalism
Lot 402
John Miller (1931-2002) Beach scene gouache.
Estimate: £200 – £300
Born in London in 1931, John Miller became famous for his idyllic scenes of Cornwall (most of the West Penwith peninsula). During his career, he was an art teacher, television personality, patron of various charities and was responsible for the reordering of the interior of the Newlyn Art Gallery. In 1961, he was elected to become a member of the Newlyn Society of Artists. In 1992, he developed his distinctive beach paintings, which were hugely successful and through selected London galleries, his exhibitions often sold out.
Affordable Modern Art: Printwork
Lot 387
Maira Kalman ‘Woman with Face Net’ limited edition print.
Estimate: £200 – £300
Maira Kalman is a living artist, illustrator, textile designer and author. Born in Tel Aviv, her family moved to New York when she was four. Her distinctive style can be seen in the illustration of over thirty books written for adults and children, her textile designs for Isaac Mizrahi and Kate Spade and in collaboration with her late husband, her watch and clock designs under the brand M&Co.
Affordable Modern Art: Oil on Canvas
Lot 404
Cecil Rochfort D’Oyly John – Mediterranean oil on canvas.
Estimate: £400 – £600
Cecil Rochfort D’Oyly John’s style is almost instantly recognisable and epitomises the zeitgeist of the mid-20th century. Born in South Africa in 1906, his early career saw him undertake many different role which included working on a Japanese tramp steamer and pearl-fishing in Manilla. At the outbreak of war in 1939, he returned to England and served with the Military Police. It is believed, that in 1945 he was wounded by a V2 rocket which resulted in temporary blindness and a long period of recuperation. During this time, he was encouraged to paint and adopted a palette knife technique that he had seen used while travelling in Belgium. In the 1950s, his career gained great momentum when publishers Frost and Reed published his works as prints and several paintings were purchased by the then-Queen for the Royal Collection.
Affordable Modern Art: Limited Edition Plate
Lot 5
Damien Hirst ‘Home Sweet Home’ plate.
Estimate: £200 – £300
Does art have to be on canvas, board or paper? This limited edition plate, published by Swid Powell for the Gagosian Gallery was designed by perhaps the most infamous artist of the 20th century, Damien Hirst. Titled Home Sweet Home it is believed to date to 1996 when much of his output of this period focuses on mortality and death with cigarettes a frequent motif. In 2001, at the Eyestorm Gallery in London, Home Sweet Home works were mistaken for overflowing ashtrays and thrown away!
Antiques, Fine Art & Collectables | Tuesday 21st May
Viewing times (ID required):
Birmingham
Monday 20th May 10:00 – 16:00
Tuesday 21st May 08:30-10:00
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 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.
Alison Snowdon | General Valuer
Posted in Antiques
Tagged affordable art, antiques, auction, auctioneers, auctions, Birmingham, Fellows, Modern art
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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
Posted in Silver
Tagged age of enlightenment, antiques, auction, auctioneers, auctions, Birmingham, coin auction, coins, daniel issac eaton, Fellows, fellowsauctioneers, Jewellery, silver, thomas paine
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This February marks our inaugural Monies, Medals & Militaria auction. We recently welcomed Sally Oliver to our team as our in-house numismatics specialist who has curated a fantastic selection of items for her first stand-alone sale. Included among these items is a coin minted with the profile of the King of France, Louis XVIII. However, it was minted in England rather than in France. As such, it provides an interesting insight into the French king’s history and relationship with his home country.
Louis XVIII and the House of Bourbon
Louis XVIII, born Louis Stanislas Xavier, was a member of the House of Bourbon. He ruled as King of France from 1814 to 1824. He was the brother of the executed King Louis XVI and became king shortly after the fall of Napoleon Bonaparte. Louis XVIII’s reign marked the restoration of the Bourbon monarchy after the years of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic era.
The House of Bourbon was one of the most important European royal families, tracing its roots back to the medieval period. The Bourbon dynasty played an undeniably significant role in European history, with members often marrying into other royal families in order to cement alliances and expand their influence.
Louis XVIII’s reign was marked by his efforts to reconcile France after the upheaval of the revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. He attempted to balance the interests of the old aristocracy with the new political realities of a post-revolutionary France. However, his reign was challenged by political unrest and opposition from both traditional royalists and revolutionaries.
Despite his efforts at compromise, Louis XVIII’s reign was continually unstable. It saw several uprisings and attempts to overthrow him. He died in 1824 and was succeeded by his brother, Charles X. However, Charles X’s reign was short-lived, as he was overthrown during the July Revolution of 1830, leading to the end of Bourbon rule in France.
Exile: Louis XVIII in London
During the height of the French Revolution, Louis XVIII was exiled for some time. Following the execution of his brother, King Louis XVI, during the French Revolution, Louis XVIII fled France along with other members of the royal family. He spent much of his exile in various European countries, including Prussia, Russia, and England.
In particular, Louis XVIII spent a significant portion of his exile in London, where he lived from 1807 to 1814. During his time in London, he had relative obscurity when compared to his royal status. As the Bourbon dynasty had been deposed, and Napoleon Bonaparte ruled France as Emperor. Louis XVIII maintained contacts with French émigrés and royalist sympathisers while in London, and continued to assert his claim to the French throne. Louis XVIII’s exile in London came to an end in 1814 when Napoleon Bonaparte was defeated and he was forced to abdicate.
Minted in London
Our upcoming Monies, Medals & Militaria auction will feature a coin minted in London during Louis XVIII’s time in exile. It was minted without the knowledge or approval of the French government. At this time, Britain was in support of monarchies as opposed to republics. The French Revolution threatened a republic so close to home to the British. Because of this, they were keen to keep the French king safe and showed support for him by minting these coins when France wouldn’t.
Lot 151
France, Kingdom. Louis XVIII AV 20 Francs. London mint.
Price Realised: £273.00
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
Posted in Monies, Medals & Militaria
Tagged antique coins, antiques, auction, auctioneers, auctions, Birmingham, coin auction, coins, Fellows, fellowsauctioneers, french revolution, Jewellery, louis xviii, numismatics, numismatics auction
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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.
Posted in Antiques, Silver
Tagged antiques, antiques auction, auction, auctioneers, auctions, Birmingham, boston tea party, Fellows, fellowsauctioneers, history of tea, Jewellery, tea, tea caddies, tea wares
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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
Posted in Antiques
Tagged antiques, auction, auctioneers, auctions, Birmingham, country house, Fellows, fellowsauctioneers, high park, Jewellery, lea & perrins, watch, watches, worcester, Worcester pottery, Worcestershire
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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
Posted in Antiques
Tagged antiques, auction, auctioneers, auctions, Birmingham, country estate, country house, estate auction, Fellows, fellowsauctioneers, high park, Jewellery
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Jeremy Bentham
What do you think of when I say the word: mummy? Perhaps you think of Tutenkamun’s funerary mask, and last-minute toilet roll Halloween costumes, or maybe (like me) you think of Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz. I doubt, however, that you think of 19th-century philosophers. Jeremy Bentham wanted to change that.
Immortalised in the corridors of UCL, sits the mummified body of Jeremy Bentham. Now a local celebrity among the students, Bentham was once known for more than just his corpse. During his lifetime he was a somewhat controversial but hugely influential philosopher, jurist, and social reformer.
Upon his death, he commissioned 26 mourning rings to be made. Our upcoming Fine Jewellery auction will feature one of these rings, dedicated to Dr Neil Arnott. This ring has been with the Arnott family since it was made, making this the first time that it has been open to the public to view and to bid. The hunt to collect these 26 rings has been ongoing for several years, we are delighted to have uncovered another!
Life and Work
Jeremy Bentham lived from 1748 to 1832 and is best known for his development of utilitarianism, a consequentialist ethical theory that judges actions by their outcomes in terms of pleasure and pain. Bentham’s early life was marked by precocious intellectual talent, evident in his enrollment at Oxford University at the age of just 12. He later pursued legal studies and was called to the bar, but his true passion lay in philosophy and social reform.
In addition to his renowned philosophy of utilitarianism, he played a key role in founding University College London (UCL). Bentham’s vision for UCL emphasized practical, secular education accessible to all, regardless of social or religious background. He championed critical thinking and the application of knowledge to societal issues. Though he didn’t live to see its founding, Bentham’s influence shaped UCL’s ethos as a pioneering institution committed to intellectual freedom and social progress.
Utilitarianism and Beliefs
Utilitarianism, Bentham’s most significant contribution, posits that the morally right action is the one that maximises overall happiness or pleasure and minimises suffering or pain for the greatest number of people. However, Bentham’s work extended beyond philosophy. He was notable in fields such as economics, politics, and law. He advocated for legal and penal reform, arguing for the reduction of unnecessary suffering in prisons and the justice system. His ideas influenced many subsequent thinkers, including John Stuart Mill, who refined and popularized utilitarianism in the 19th century.
Bentham was a staunch advocate for individual freedoms and civil liberties, arguing for the protection of rights such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to participate in democratic governance. He believed that a just society was one in which individuals were free to pursue their interests as long as they did not infringe upon the rights of others. He was also one of the earliest people to speak out in favour of women’s rights, animal rights, and the decriminalisation of homosexuality.
Jeremy Bentham: Death and Auto-Icon
Bentham seemed to have a preoccupation with his mortality and eventual death. He wrote his first will and testament when he was just 21. Consistent with his utilitarianism beliefs, Bentham had a pragmatic approach to end-of-life.
He passed away on June 6, 1832, at the age of 84. Upon his death, Bentham left specific instructions for the preservation of his body through a process called auto-iconisation. Following his wishes, his body was dissected, embalmed, and dressed in his usual attire. His preserved skeleton was then encased within a wooden frame, topped with a wax head sculpted to resemble him. This auto-icon, as Bentham termed it, was intended to serve as a visual reminder of his ideas and principles.
Bentham’s auto-icon was initially kept in a wooden cabinet, but it now resides in a specially designed glass case at UCL. Visitors can view the auto-icon and contemplate the legacy of one of history’s most influential philosophers.
Originally, Bentham had requested that his mummified head sit atop his body. Unfortunately, the preservation process was unsuccessfully resulting in a rather scary sight. It was therefore decided by University administration, to keep his head in their archives – although they sometimes bring it out for special exhibitions!
The Mourning Rings
Among his slightly odd requests for his death, he also commissioned 26 mourning rings. They featured his silhouette and a lock of his hair. These rings have now been scattered around the world, with people hunting to find them! The 26 recipients of these rings were:
Dr Neil Arnott
Sarah Austin
Henry Bickersteth
Felix Bodin
John Bowring
Samuel Cartwright
Edwin Chadwick
Mary Louise de Chesnel
Richard Doane
Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilber du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette
Albany Fonblanque
James Harfield
John Stuart Mill
General William Miller
Joseph Parkes
Francis Place
Jean-Baptiste Say
Thomas Southwood Smith
William Stockwell
William Tait
Thomas Perronet Thompson
John Tyrrell
José Cecilio del Valle
Jean-Sylvain de Weyer
Mary Watson
George Wheatley
We are delighted that our upcoming Fine Jewellery auction will feature one of these rings, once belonging to Dr Neil Arnott.
Jeremy Bentham’s Mourning Ring
This ring had been in Dr Neil Arnott’s family since it was first bequeathed to him in Bentham’s will. It came to Fellows by direct descent, meaning that this is the first time that this ring has been publically identified and has been open to the public to view and to bid. We are thrilled to offer to auction another one of these 26 historic rings. Similar rings have portraits of Bentham attributed to John Field.
Gold mourning ring, for Jeremy Bentham
Estimate: £2,000 – £3,000
Fine Jewellery | Thursday 21st March 2024
Viewing times (ID required):
London
Tuesday 12th March 12:00-19:00
Wednesday 13th March 10:00-16:00
Birmingham
Tuesday 19th March 10:00-16:00
Wednesday 20th March 10:00-16:00
Thursday 21st 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
Posted in Jewellery
Tagged antiques, auction, auctioneers, auctions, Birmingham, Fellows, fellowsauctioneers, jeremy bentham, Jewellery, Mourning Jewellery, mourning ring, watch, watches
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We often see mourning rings in our jewellery auctions. Normally, the story we try to uncover is about who the ring commemorates. This is especially true in the case of our Jeremy Bentham mourning ring. However, the story of Jeremy Bentham’s ring goes far deeper than this. Bentham had 26 rings made during his lifetime to commemorate, perhaps prematurely, his death. His will stipulated that these 26 rings would be given to 26 of his closest friends and family. Now, almost 200 years later, these rings are scattered throughout the world, and the hunt to collect them is well and truly underway. In our upcoming Fine Jewellery auction, we are excited to offer to auction one of these rings, dedicated to Dr Neil Arnott.
Dr Neil Arnott
Arnott’s relationship with Bentham is somewhat unclear. They ran in very similar circles and shared a close mutual friend – Sir Edwin Chadwick (another ‘ring-owner’), so it is presumed that Arnott and Bentham were also close friends.
Arnott, despite coming from a family of master bakers, was a renowned doctor and inventor. He studied at the University of Aberdeen before going to London to learn under Sir Everard Home. By the age of 18, he was appointed a full surgeon. He travelled to China with the East India Company where he worked as a surgeon, before he settled in London where he practised from 1811 – 1854.
Throughout his life he gained a national reputation, he gave lectures and published several works, was one of the founders of the University of London, and was made physician to the likes of the French and Spanish embassies, and in 1837, the Queen.
Despite being mostly forgotten for his work as a doctor today, Arnott definitely left his own mark on society. Whilst you would not be blamed for not recognising his name, I highly doubt you would not be familiar with his most famous invention: the waterbed. Yes! This cultural icon of the 70s dates back to 19th-century medicine. Arnott originally created it to prevent bedsores in those who were bedbound. This design later led him to invent a similar water-filled chair which aimed to prevent seasickness!
Arnott clearly made an impression on Bentham in order to receive one of these coveted rings. Around the band of the ring, you can read the engraving: Memento for Dr Neil Arnott.
Jeremy Bentham’s Mourning Ring
Dr Neil Arnott’s ring has been in the Arnott family since it was first bequeathed to him in Bentham’s will. As the hunt for these rings has been ongoing for many years now, we are excited that we are able to offer this ring, for the first time, to auction.
It came to Fellows by descent, meaning that this ring has never been available for the public to view or to bid. It is undeniably exciting to have discovered another one of these 26 rings, the puzzle pieces seem to be fitting together!
Gold mourning ring, for Jeremy Bentham
Estimate: £2,000 – £3,000
Fine Jewellery | Thursday 21st March 2024
Viewing times (ID required):
London
Tuesday 12th March 12:00-19:00
Wednesday 13th March 10:00-16:00
Birmingham
Tuesday 19th March 10:00-16:00
Wednesday 20th March 10:00-16:00
Thursday 21st 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
Posted in Jewellery
Tagged 19th Century, antiques, auction, auctioneers, auctions, Birmingham, Fellows, fellowsauctioneers, jeremy bentham, Jewellery, Mourning Jewellery
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A Potted History of Christian Dior Costume Jewellery
Founding Years (1946 – 1957)
Christian Dior was a big believer in jewellery being an integral part of a complete outfit. With the “New Look” collection in 1947, Dior has been credited with redefining women’s fashion in the post-war period. He considered the entire outfit within his couture collections, and jewellery was an important component. Starting in the late 1940s, Dior started to design jewellery to go along with his couture collections. Jewellery to go along with the ready-to-wear collections soon followed. Jewellery from these early collections, such as “New Look”, which were designed by Christian Dior himself (or his early protegees) are highly sought after by collectors.
Golden Age of Dior Costume Jewellery (1950s-1960s)
The early days of Dior jewellery manufacturing are a who’s who of costume jewellery makers. Starting with Josette Gripoix, they also collaborated with Robert Goosens, Roger Jean-Pierre, Mitchell Maer, Scemama, Screiner and Kramer. Any pieces from this era are highly sought after by collectors and we have seen them realise extraordinary prices at auction. Matching sets or complete jewellery suites from this period are incredibly rare and collectable.
Lot 648
Christian Dior – brooch by Mitchel Maer.
Price Realised: £175.50
Perhaps the best-known Dior partner was the company Henkel & Grosse. More commonly referred to as just Grosse, they started working with Dior in 1955 and for the next fifty years were responsible for the production of Christian Dior Bijoux, along with their own ranges.
Lot 186
Christian Dior – a pair of clip-on earrings.
Price Realised: £312.00
The collaboration with Manfred Swarovski (grandson of Swarovski founder Daniel) in 1950 shone a light on both Swarovski and Dior jewellery. Christian Dior tasked Swarovski to create a crystal that reminded him of the mirrors and candelabra of the Palace of Versailles. With this brief in mind, Manfred Swarovski created the “Aurore Boréale”, a Swarovski crystal with an iridescent coating to mimic the rainbow or flashes of “fire” seen both in the reflections of the hall of mirrors and diamonds. The subsequent jewellery designed by Francis Winter for Dior followed the theme of Louis XVI’s decadence and replicated 18th-century parures.
Lot 111
Christian Dior – a brooch with matching clip-on earrings.
Price Realised: £1,300.00
When Christian Dior died in 1957, the fashion house he’d founded continued. With the likes of Yves Saint Laurent and Marc Bohan, the brand remained at the forefront of fashion jewellery. The creative directors continued to reflect Dior’s values and the jewellery released still often reflected the couture designs.
Later Vintage and Contemporary Fashion Jewellery (1980s – 2000s)
Moving towards the 80s and 90s, there was a shift towards incorporating the logo and recognisable motifs into the main design. Modern Christian Dior costume jewellery continues to embody the brand’s signature elegance, sophistication, and innovation while embracing contemporary design trends and materials. The motifs often directly reflect motifs found within their handbag designs as well as the couture collections and remain coveted by collectors.
Lot 558
Dior – bangle.
Price Realised: £214.50
Lot 539
Christian Dior – hoops.
Price Realised: £253.50
Lot 661
Christian Dior – chain necklace.
Price Realised: £97.50
Dior Costume Jewellery at Auction
In our February Handbags, Jewellery & Accessories auction – we had a fantastic selection of undeniably stunning Christian Dior costume jewellery. Examples of which you can see below:
Lot 551
Christian Dior – brooch.
Price Realised: £54.60
Lot 536
Christian Dior – clip-on earrings.
Price Realised: £49.40
Lot 558
Christian Dior – brooch and clip-on earring set.
Price Realised: £351.00
Lot 501
Christian Dior – brooch.
Price Realised: £97.50
Lot 503
Dior – brooch.
Price Realised: £162.50
Lot 534
Christian Dior – brooch.
Price Realised: £84.50
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.
Nicola Whittaker | Head of Handbags
Posted in Designer
Tagged antiques, auction, auctioneers, auctions, Birmingham, Christian Dior, costume jewellery, Designer, designer auction, designer costume jewellery, dior jewellery, Fellows, fellowsauctioneers, Jewellery, watch, watches
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Breguet Company History
Abraham-Louis Breguet was born in Neuchatel France in 1747, as a teenager he moved to Versailles and Paris to do his apprenticeship. His first workshop opened in Ile de la Cite in Paris. Influenced by master watchmakers in Versailles he is soon introduced to French royalty including King Louis XVI. The King was keenly interested in his work and was soon impressed with Breguet’s inventions and technological ability. The King himself later commissioned ‘Perpetuelle’ the world’s first self-winding watch. During the French Revolution Breguet was exiled to England because of his Royal connections. During his exile, he also produced watches for British royalty such as King George III.
He returned to Paris in 1795, and in 1807 his son Antoine-Louis Breguet joined the company and the company became Breguet et Fils (Breguet & Sons). The company remained in family hands until the English clockmaker Edward Brown took over the running of the factory, later followed by his sons until the 1970s. During the quartz crises ownership of the company changed several times and in 1990 the company became a part of the Swatch group.
The list of Breguet’s most important inventions:
- Overcoil hairspring
- Gong spring (first-minute repeater)
- Self-winding movements (Perpetuelle)
- ‘Breguet’ hands
- first shock protection system (Pare-chute)
- Tourbillion
- First wristwatch (1810)
Posted in Watches
Tagged antiques, auction, auctioneers, Breguet, breguet watch, Fellows, fellowsauctioneers, Horology, Jewellery, watch, Watch auction, watch history, watches
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The Rolex ‘Double Red’
Rolex is a name that has become synonymous with ‘tool’ watches, watches that were designed to carry out a task. Their iconic models include the Submariner, the GMT and the Explorer. One of these tool watches that is not so well known, but highly sought after amongst collectors is the Sea-Dweller. This was launched back in 1967 (reference 1665), the Rolex ‘Double Red’ and is still a model name used today. It was an evolution of Rolex’s famed dive watch, the Submariner. The Submariner at that time had a depth rating of 200m/660ft, however, the Sea-Dweller was aimed at those who went deeper and had a depth rating of 610m/2000ft!
Differences Between the Sea-Dweller and the Submariner
There were a few differences that separated the Sea-Dweller from the Submariner. One of which was the addition of a helium escape valve on the side of the case. Saturation divers would often notice a strange phenomenon with their Submariners, the crystal would often pop out in the decompression chamber after a dive! Saturation diving requires helium in the breathing gas mix and after prolonged exposure, helium particles would form inside the watch’s case. These particles would escape from the weakest point, which was the plexiglass. Rolex solved this issue by patenting their helium escape valve (Swiss patent reference CH492246 if you’re interested!!) which let these helium particles escape via this mechanism. The Sea-Dweller also has a thicker domed crystal and a thicker case than the Submariner. Also, this 1665 reference is one of the few watches where Rolex engraved on the case back.
Another difference between the Sea-Dweller and the Submariner was the red writing on the first-generation Sea-Dweller dial. The text ‘Sea-Dweller’ and ‘Submariner 2000’ is in red giving the dial a lovely pop of colour and has been given the nickname ‘Double Red’ amongst Rolex collectors. These early Sea-Dwellers are hugely sought after amongst Rolex collectors and rarely come to market as they didn’t sell in huge numbers and those that were sold were often used in saturation diving which further diminished their numbers. The ‘Double Red’ Sea-Dweller was in fact production for 10 years between
1967 to 1977 before being replaced by the ‘Great White’ which was technically very simpler but did away with that lovely red text.
Rolex ‘Double Red’ Sea-Dweller at Auction
The Watch auction on Thursday 8th February features a Rolex Sea-Dweller ‘Double Red’ reference 1665. This is a lovely example dating from 1973 and comes with box and service receipts from 1985 and 1998. It has an estimate of £18,000-22,000 and will undoubtedly attract a lot of interest.
Lot 129
Rolex – a Sea Dweller ‘Double Red’ watch, 39mm.
Price Realised: £21,450.00
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.
Steven Yambo | Watch Specialist
Posted in Watches
Tagged antiques, auction, auctioneers, auctions, Birmingham, Fellows, fellowsauctioneers, Jewellery, rolex, rolex double red, rolex sea dweller, sea dweller, watch, Watch auction, watches
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When you think of luxury jewellery, gold, and gemstones, I highly doubt that you also think of…frogs, understandably. However, these small green amphibians, have a long history and relationship with humans. As such, the image of them is sprinkled throughout human culture all around the world. Frogs have made their way into our literature, our art, and even our jewellery. Today, we’re going to dive into the history of frog jewellery, and perhaps inspire you to invest in your own little piece of cultural history.
Symbolism of Frogs Throughout History
When looking back on history, frogs crop up as having symbolic meaning throughout the world and at different points in time. In Native America, frogs represented wisdom and wealth. In Chinese culture, the frog spirit Ch’ing-Wa Sheng is associated with good luck in business. The ancient Egyptians believed in the frog-goddess Heqet, and in classical antiquity, frogs were associated with Aphrodite.
Aztec frog neck ornaments. Image credit to The Met Museum in New York
However, for the most part, humans tend to associate frogs with water sources. For example, in Ancient Mexico, the Aztec people associated frogs with rain and water. These associations lend themselves well to the idea of rejuvenation, life, and fertility – a common theme throughout frog-based mythology. It is also believed that the Aztec people interpreted frogs’ crouching position, as similar to women during labor and childbirth.
This association of frogs with fertility is one of the most prominent throughout the ancient Americas. Because of this, frogs are quite a common motif throughout the different civilisations. We see frogs in the Coclé, Moche, and Chiriquí cultures. The Met Museum in New York has a fantastic collection of ancient jewellery and quite a few pieces include frogs!
Frog Jewellery at Auction
We regularly see frog-themed jewellery come through our auctions. Today these pieces are mostly novelties, they lack the same symbolic quality as the ancient pieces. However, they still are charming additions to any jewellery collection and a sweet nod to humanity’s long and complex relationship with these four-legged amphibians.
Lot 209
Diamond set frog earrings
Estimate: £2,500 – £3,500
Lot 219
18ct gold garnet frog brooch, by E. Wolfe & Co.
Estimate: £1,400 – £2,000
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
Posted in Jewellery
Tagged antiques, auction, auctioneers, auctions, aztec, celtic, Fellows, fellowsauctioneers, frog jewellery, frog symbolism, frogs, history, history of jewellery, Jewellery, native american, symbolism of frogs
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The Vienna Secession
The Vienna Secession was founded in 1897. It was a revolutionary art movement in Vienna, Austria. It emerged as a response to the academic constraints of traditional art and aimed to break free from conventional norms. This is similar to the ideas of the Arts & Crafts movement which mainly took place in England. The Secessionists, who included artists like Gustav Klimt, believed in the autonomy of art. They emphasized the need for innovation as well as individual expression. They sought to create a platform for avant-garde artists to explore new styles and ideas.
The Secessionists embraced various art forms, including painting, sculpture, and architecture, fostering a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach. One of their most iconic achievements was the construction of the Secession Building, a unique structure designed by Joseph Maria Olbrich, featuring a distinctive dome covered in golden laurel leaves.
Wiener Werkstätte
Two of the founders of this movement, Koloman Moser and Josef Hoffmann, went on to create the Wiener Werkstätte in 1903: literally, Vienna Workshops. The workshops brought together a diverse group of artists, including architects, designers, and craftsmen, to nurture collaboration and innovation.
Influenced by the ideas of Gesamtkunstwerk, or total artwork, the Wiener Werkstätte aimed to create integration between various artistic disciplines, such as architecture, furniture, textiles, as well as graphic design. Renowned for their distinctive geometric patterns and sinuous simplicity, creations from these workshops became synonymous with the Art Nouveau and later the Secessionist movements. One area that flourished at these workshops, was jewellery. Characterised by geometric shapes and vibrant enamel work, the Wiener Werkstätte’s jewellery showcased a harmonious blend of fine craftsmanship and artistic innovation. The jewellery embraced modern aesthetics, rejecting the ornate styles of the past.
Much like Arts & Crafts and Art Nouveau, Wiener Werkstätte’s impact extended beyond Austria, influencing the development of modern design internationally. However, financial challenges and the upheavals of World War I led to the eventual dissolution of the Wiener Werkstätte in 1932. Despite its relatively short existence, the Wiener Werkstätte left an enduring legacy, shaping the trajectory of 20th-century design and emphasizing the importance of craftsmanship in the artistic process.
Wiener Werkstätte at Auction
Lot 16
Silver gilt gem necklace, by the Wiener Werkstätte
Price Realised: £3,315.00
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
Posted in Jewellery
Tagged antiques, auction, auctioneers, auctions, Birmingham, Fellows, fellowsauctioneers, Jewellery, vienna, vienna secession, watch, watches, Wiener Werkstätte
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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.
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Posted in Antiques, Jewellery
Tagged antiques, auction, auctioneers, auctions, Birmingham, caterpillar club brooch, caterpillarclub, Fellows, fellowsauctioneers, Jewellery, militaria, The Caterpillar Club, watch, watches, ww2, WWII
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Colombian Emeralds
Not all gemstones are made equally! Some are far more desirable than others, for example, Sri Lankan, Burmese, and Padparadscha sapphires. However, when it comes to emeralds, it is Colombian emeralds that are world-renowned for their exceptional quality, rich colour, and unparalleled beauty.
Mined from the country’s emerald-rich regions, particularly in the Andes, these gemstones have been coveted for centuries. The Muzo, Chivor, and Coscuez mines are the primary sources of these stunning stones. As a matter of fact, the Muzo mine is – to this day, the most important emerald mine in the world. Their unique geological conditions are what give these gems their distinctive green hue and high clarity.
Because of this, the finest Colombian emeralds are considered to be among the most valuable and rarest gemstones in the world. They are often highly sought after by collectors, jewellers, as well as gemstone connoisseurs. Therefore, if you’re looking for a truly exceptional gemstone, a Colombian emerald will be an excellent and timeless choice.
Emeralds have been officially mined in Colombia for over 500 years, and the industry has played a significant role in the country’s economy as well as culture. Because of this, the Colombian government has implemented regulations to ensure that the mining of these emeralds is responsible and sustainable.
The History of Colombian Emeralds
The first recorded emerald mines date back over 2000 years to Ancient Egypt in 330 BC. One of the most famous historical figures to love these green stones was Cleopatra. While she was Queen she claimed ownership of all the emerald mines in the Egyptian empire. To the Egyptians, emeralds were a symbol of protection, and they were believed to have the power to predict future events.
In the Americas, archaeologists believe that pre-Colombian people such as the Muzo people, had been mining emeralds since 500 AD. This is apparent in their mythology and culture. There is one particularly important myth, the story of Fura and Tena, that firmly places emerald at the centre of cultural development. The myth goes that the supreme god, Are, created Fura and Tena to populate the world. They were promised eternal youth as long as they stayed faithful to one another – Fura, however, did not remain faithful. Eternal youth was taken away from them and they aged rapidly. Are then took pity on the pair, and instead turned them into huge cliffs in order to protect them from the elements. In these cliffs, the Muzo people found emeralds and believed them to be Fura’s tears. The two cliffs are considered sacred and are still the official guardians of Colombia’s emerald zone.
In the 16th century, the Spanish conquistadors overpowered many of the indigenous people in the Americas and subsequently took over emerald mining.
Colombian Emeralds at Auction
Lot 293
Colombian Emerald and diamond ring
Estimate: £10,000 – £15,000
Alongside this stunning Colombian example, we have several other emeralds in our auction. Our particular favourites are:
Lot 29
Emerald & diamond earrings
Estimate: £600 – £800
Lot 146
Victorian 18ct gold emerald & diamond ring
Estimate: £500 – £700
Jewellery | 25th January 2024
Viewing times (ID required):
London
- Tuesday 16th January 12:00-19:00
- Wednesday 17th January 10:00-16:00
- Tuesday 23rd January 10:00-16:00
- Wednesday 24th January 10:00-16:00
- Thursday 25th January 8:30-10:00
Posted in Jewellery
Tagged antiques, auction, auctioneers, auctions, Birmingham, colombian emerald, emerald, Emerald ring, Emeralds, Fellows, fellowsauctioneers, Jewellery
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Affordable Modern Art at Auction