Western Morning News (Saturday)
Beautiful and historical pieces of furniture
DAVID Lay Auctions in Penzance will be holding one of its fantastic Oak & Country sales on April 21. The sale is particularly strong in early English country furniture, an interior look which is really growing in popularity.
Some of the highlights of the sale come from the estate of the muchloved Viv Hendra. Viv was an inspirational teacher, but it was as an art historian and the founder of the Lander Gallery in Truro, that he was known to Lay’s.
David Lay fondly reminicences: “His expertise was unrivalled when it came to the Cornish artist John Opie and he was always so generous with his advice, always cautious, always sensible, always kind and supportive. He had schorlarly, yet eclectic tastes and could be a most spirited bidder on objects that appealed to him.
“We are honoured to be selling some of the wonderful things he collected over the years. He was wonderful, kind and entertaining company and is very much missed.”
One of the most intriging pieces from Viv’s collection is lot 110, a large wood carving of a knight in armour, possibly Elizabethan and in fantastic condition considering its remarkable age. This is just one of many beautiful and very ancient figurative wood carvings in the sale.
A wonderfully ornate, heavily carved Elizabethan bedhead, circa 1580 is another fabulous lot. It would be quite something to lay your head down in a bed made nearly 450 years ago, wondering about the history of the lives it has served.
Other gorgeous pieces of furniture from Viv’s collection include a 17th/18th century Portuguese rosewood and walnut cabinet, with doors opening to reveal numerous drawers and pigeon holes.
The sale is full of delightful, beautiful and historical pieces and thoroughly worth a viewing.
Viewing is on Saturday, April 16, 9am-1pm, and April 19 and 20.
View the entire catalogue online at www.davidlay.co.uk.