STAR SALES

Caroline Wheater uncovers a neoclassical-style mirror that accelerated past its estimate and antique petrol measures that went for a song...

Caroline Wheater’s picks from recent auctions

1. Escape to the Country Estimate £2,000-£3,000 Sold £7,500

The successful British artist Helen Allingham (18481926) began to paint country co!ages in the early 1880s, a "er moving to the hamlet of Sandhills in Surrey with her husband, poet William Allingham. In 1886, London’s Fine Art Society mounted an exhibition of her work entitled ‘Surrey Co!ages’, which chimed with art lovers who lamented the loss of the old ways of life as railways carved up the countryside. This small watercolour, 23cm x 18.5cm, sold at Lawrences recently, is a rare depiction of a Dorset co!age in Chideock village. ‘ It had all the quintessential Allingham elements – the old thatched home, the characterful but realistic #gures, the burgeoning hedgerows, the li!le cat and a nostalgic charm,’ says Pictures specialist Richard Kay. The artist’s pale!e consisted of 25 pigments, 15 of which were yellow, and the primary colours haven’t faded. While prices are below the boom time of the 1980s and 1990s, two private bidders tussled over this painting. ‘ It’s likely an appealing estimate helped to tempt a few collectors who have wanted a really good Allingham for years,’ says Richard.

01460 73041; lawrences.co.uk

2. Pull up a Chair Estimate £200-£300 Sold £600

An early 20th- century bentwood armchair that came up for sale at Roseberys o!ered rarity with interesting provenance. Made from stained beech, with a decorative backrest and tapering legs, the chair was designed by architect O "o Wagner for Gebrüder Thonet, the Austrian furniture company. Wagner was a leading member of the modernist Vienna Secession movement and created Thonet’s Postsparkasse furniture range for the Viennese Post O#ce Savings Bank.

020 8761 2522; roseberys.co.uk

3. On Re$ection Estimate £300-£500 Sold £2,200

This large overmantel mirror measuring 128cm x 138cm was consigned to Drewea"s earlier this year from Hambrook House in Gloucestershire. It was part of an 83-lot collection of furnishings that included a number of 19th- century mirrors. Made from wood, possibly lime or pine, then gilded and set on an ebonised base, the mirror has neoclassical looks with its columns and capitals. The so$ly silvered mirror plate may be the original, making it more desirable.

01635 553553; dreweatts.com

4. Metal Marvels Estimate £200-£300 Sold £110

Two petrol measures made in copper and brass turned out to be a bargain when they sold at Mallams Oxford in the spring. They came from the collection of Frank S Whyman, an American Anglophile with a love of quirky English antiques. The pair of

‘Chekpump’ containers held two gallons and three gallons of fuel respectively, and both are engraved ‘County Borough of Dudley’. Showing the patina of age, they were otherwise in great condition.

01865 241358; mallams.co.uk