A rare reclining easy chair by renowned Arts & Crafts furniture maker Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson of Kilburn, Yorkshire, was among the highlights of Clevedon Salerooms’ recent sale. Remaining in the same family for two generations, this auction marked its first appearance on the open market.
With interesting provenance, the chair was originally gifted in 1934 by a member of the Rowntree family, the famous York chocolate makers, as a wedding present to the vendor’s parents. The focus of fierce bidding between an internet and telephone bidder, following an intense battle, the hammer finally fell at £10,0000, believed to be a record price for this particular Mouseman design. Chris Yeo, Senior Valuer at Clevedon Salerooms, commented:
"It is highly unusual to find early pieces of Mouseman furniture with strong provenance and in such remarkable condition. This chair certainly ticked those boxes, not just a piece of functional furniture but part of an enduring British design tradition."
The auction also featured a group of items consigned by Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity. Leading results included a suite of three Edward VII silver pedestal bowls, which achieved £1,900, and a large mid-19th century oil on canvas portrait of elected physician Gilbert Lyon, which sold for £1,700. The consignment achieved a total hammer price of £11,000.
Another standout charity lot was an impressive oil on canvas by Montagu Dawson, depicting H.M.S. Eskimo powering through choppy seas. Originally displayed at Vickers Armstrong’s Head Office to commemorate the building of the vessel, the painting was consigned by Rolls-Royce plc, Filton, Bristol, on behalf of their two nominated charities. Following spirited bidding, it eventually sold to a commission bidder for £9,000.
Clevedon Salerooms sells items on behalf of registered charities commission-free, ensuring that organisations receive the maximum possible benefit from donations. Charities interested in consigning items are encouraged to contact the saleroom team for more information.
In a day with many high points, an early embroidery panel worked with a scene depicting Orpheus Charming the Animals proved to be one of the stand-out lots of the sale. Dating from the mid-17th century and finely worked with an array of animals, flowers and buildings, this was a sophisticated example of early British needlework in outstanding condition. Arriving on one of Clevedon’s ever popular Valuation days, the vendor had, however, no idea of its importance and modest expectations as to its value. As the most ‘watched’ item online in the sale, hopes were certainly high and they were not to be dashed as intense competition between the telephone and online bidder saw it leave its estimate in the shade, selling for to the online bidder for a remarkable £3,200.
On a day which saw many high prices achieved, it was the familiar name Rolex which lead the way. A rare ‘Double-Red’ Sea-Dweller Submariner 2000 stainless steel bracelet watch, took the day’s top price selling for £12,500, whilst a circa 1957 Oyster Perpetual Explorer stainless steel bracelet watch, also did extremely, selling for £9,500. A Diamond solitaire platinum ring was the brightest star amongst a stellar selection of Jewellery. Weighing in at an impressive 3.05 carat, it certainly wooed the bidders and achieved an equally impressive hammer price of £10,000. Also performing well amongst the Jewellery, a diamond three stone 18ct yellow and white gold ring set with three old cushion cut diamonds, which sold for £7,000 and an Edwardian gem-set enamelled unmarked yellow metal bracelet, which sold for £4,600.
Prices for Asian Arts remained strong for the right pieces. Fitting the bill perfectly was a fine Chinese embroidered blue silk jifu or dragon robe. Dating to the late 19th century, it had arrived at the Salerooms with an interesting provenance, having been consigned by descendants of the family of famed Victorian war hero General Gordon. Quality and condition marked this as a significant piece. Bidders certainly agreed and after a sustained bidding battle it was secured by an international online bidder for £5,500. From the same source, a Chinese embroidered black gauze chao pao or formal Court robe sold for £4,200, whilst a Chinese alloy ritual vessel and cover of unusual two handled circular pail form, sold for £3,200.
As well as the Montagu Dawson previously mentioned, the Pictures section also yielded a number of strong prices. As is often the case, it seems that good things come in small packages. So it was that a George III portrait miniature on ivory attributed to John Smart, (1742-1811) of William Augustus Gordon, 1739-1809 caused quite a stir when it was offered for sale. Heralding from the same source as the Chinese robes, it came with the same interesting Gordon family provenance being the Grandfather of the well-known General, after a volley of quick fire bids, the winner secured it for a very healthy £2,600. Those with more contemporary tastes were also well catered for; a limited edition Artists Proof etching and aquatint by Dame Elizabeth Frink, RA, (1930-1993) entitled Strawberry Roan of a horse - perhaps the most representative subject of Frink - also sold for £2,600.
With some 85% sold and a total well above expectations, the sale represented another resounding success for Clevedon Salerooms. The next Interiors sale on October 2nd promises over 700 lots, and the December 4th Specialist sale is already looking very promising indeed.