AFTER THE AUCTION
Track the latest trends in the salesroom with CAROLINE WHEATER’s round-up
1 ART OF GLASS Estimate £200–£300 The ‘Drunken Bricklayer’ vase is one of Geoffrey Baxter’s most recognisable glass designs. Part of his landmark ‘Textured’ range launched in 1966, this vase is in the ‘Tangerine’ colourway and measures 21.5cm high. Be aware that there are lots of ‘Drunken Bricklayer’ fakes out there, so always do plenty of research before you buy.
Hammer £350
* 01722 424500; woolleyandwallis.co.uk
2 HOLLYWOOD MAGIC Estimate £2,000–£3,000
It was a bumper time for !lm star sales last autumn, with London auction houses offering items once owned by Vivien Leigh and Audrey Hepburn. This stunning portrait of gamine Audrey Hepburn, shot by Philippe Halsman in 1955, sold for more than quadruple its estimate and was part of the Christie’s online sale that complemented the salesroom spectacular, which we covered last month.
Hammer £15,000
* 020 7839 9060; christies.com
3 HOT POT Estimate £400–£600
This beautiful 1769 baluster argyle with wicker handle was sold as part of the Kirkwood Dixon Collection, which consisted of 114 paintings, furniture, works of art, lighting and silver amassed by "amboyant 1970s advertising guru Ronnie Kirkwood. The argyle looks like a coffee pot, but is actually a gravy warmer – hot water is poured into a central reservoir to keep the liquid hot.
Hammer £1,100
* 01635 553553; dreweatts.com
4 BIRD SONG Estimate £2,000–£2,500
Singing bird boxes in good condition are often sought after in the auction room. A recent example was an early-20th-century decorated box attributed to German automata maker Karl Griesbaum. When the cover is lifted, it reveals a singing bird in a woodland setting.
Hammer £2,400
* 01969 623780; tennants.co.uk
5 PARTY SPARKLE Estimate £5,000–£7,000
This 18-carat gold mesh bag with a square ruby kiss clasp would be an opulent accessory. Despite some minor dents due to wear and tear, the evening bag was soon snapped up. Gold mesh purses and bags were all the rage with the
appers of the 1920s, an evolution from the silver mesh coin purses of Victorian times.
Hammer £4,700
* 0121 212 2131; fellows.co.uk
6 TOP TABLE Estimate £1,500–£2,500
Antique furniture is fabulous value at auction. This William IV mahogany dining table has three leaves and measures 266cm when fully extended – the perfect piece for accommodating a large family or lots of guests. The style is plain, solid and simple, chiming with today’s fashions. Hammer £1,750 * 020 7839 9060; christies.com
7 GLAM ROCK Estimate £2,000–£3,000
Andrew Grima was jeweller to the stars in the 1960s and 1970s, and counted Princess Margaret and Jackie Kennedy Onassis among his clients. His designs were modern and dripping in precious metals and gems. This brooch has a uorite crystal at its heart, accented by cut diamonds, and is mounted in glossy 18-carat yellow gold.
Hammer £6,000
* 020 7447 7447; bonhams.com 8 ON THE TILES Estimate £15,000–£25,000 The sale of artist Howard Hodgkin’s collection last October was one of those special auctions that will be remembered for years. Hodgkin was his own curator, collecting boldly throughout his life, mixing periods and styles. Antique Persian tiles were a particular passion and a number were up for sale, including this c1455 calligraphic lustre tile from Persia.
Hammer £47,500
* 020 7293 5000; sothebys.com