‘A collector’s eye,’ with Butchart Gardens roots
A diverse collection of close to 700 items from the estate of Ann-Lee Ross is going to auction in the Fairmont Empress Crystal Ballroom next month.
Ross, who died in 2007, was known in Victoria as a patron of the arts. She was married to Ian Ross, whose family established Butchart Gardens. He died in 1997. Their daughter, Robin-Lee Clarke, heads the world-famous gardens.
Described as beautiful, talented and funny, Ann-Lee Ross’s obituary said: “She had exquisite taste in all things and was a great help to Ian in the re-establishment of the Butchart Gardens.”
The auctioneer, Lunds, typically uses its building at 926 Fort St. But a bigger venue is needed for such a large collection and because interest is high, Peter Boyle, Lunds Auctioneers and Appraisers president, said Thursday.
Ross “had a collector’s eye,” Boyle said.
Several items are on display in Lunds’ front window.
The preview is in the ballroom on Oct. 20 from noon to 9 p.m., Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and on Oct. 22 from 9 a.m. to noon.
The auction begins Oct. 22 at 1 p.m. and will continue to about 5 p.m. After an hour break, it resumes at 6 p.m. and will likely wrap up about 10 p.m.
A large video screen in the auction room will showcase items, said Boyle, who will be among the auctioneers that day.
Bids will be accepted in person, by telephone and via the Internet.
Advertisements have been placed in trade magazines in London, England, and in New York, Boyle said.
It is not uncommon for buyers to fly in from out of town for an auction.
“We have European painting dealers who I am already talking to about this,” Boyle said.
Sales estimates start at $100 and move up into the tens of thousands of dollars.
Clocks, silver, snuff boxes, paintings, mirrors, carpets, pottery, furniture, small porcelain animals, Asian objects, inkwells, and much more are in the auction. Items range from formal to whimsical.
A painting of a young woman, called Red Hair Beauty and signed Harlamoff, holds the highest estimated value, at between $30,000 and $50,000. Alexei Harlamoff, who died in the 1920s, was a Russian painter with works displayed in major museums and galleries worldwide.
The silver category has the highest number of lots, at 113. One lot can represent a single piece, or many items.
“There is a lot of Georgian and Victorian silver,” Boyle said.
Silver plates, china, crystal, goblets, cutlery sets, candlesticks, salt holders, and serving dishes are up for offer.
“These are items that were used by the family in an era of grand entertainment, including dinner parties,” Boyle said.
He pointed to gold-and-green patterned plates mounted on the wall.
They are listed as a pair of Imperial Russian dinner plates created for Tsar Nicholas I, circa 1830.
Familiar names show up in the lots, including a six-piece Tiffany desk set, bright blue-and-gold Steuben vases, Georg Jensen silverware, Lalique wines glasses, a Royal Crown Derby breakfast set, a Wedgwood dinner service, and a Louis Vuitton suitcase covered in hotel stickers from spots such as Corfu, New Zealand and Germany.
When it comes to what is most popular with buyers, “We are always surprised,” Boyle said.
“Some times it is the most expensive item. Other times, it is the most inexpensive item.”