Fine art and antiques from important English estates at Cheffins Sept. 26-27
Sept. 19, 2007
Cambridge, England – Cheffins’ upcoming Two Day Fine Art & Country House Sale Sept. 26-27 will offer furniture, silver & collectors items from several high-profile English estates.
Duxford Mill, Cambridgeshire
Several fine antiques and antique furnishings from Duxford Mill, the mill mentioned in the Doomsday Book, will be included in this important sale. Burned down and rebuilt in the 15th century, the home was restored to a very high standard by the present owners. The Mill boasts a wealth of features, and in recent years was refurbished by famed interior designer Dudley Poplak.
Willett House, Somerset
Built in 1816 for wealthy landowner Daniel Bloomart, the grade II* former home of the Cadburys (of chocolate fame) and other prestigious families, features a wealth of classical decorations. In keeping with the magnificent surroundings, the present owners, who have lived at Willett since 1960, have taken great pleasure amassing a fine collection.
Items from Willet House include a fine collection of sporting art and Georgian furniture. In addition, a watercolour, The Ruins of Hatfield Castle, measuring 23 x 33cm by Joseph Mallord William Turner (1775-1851) has been catalogued. The watercolour, previously only known from an engraving at the Tate of 1852 is dated circa 1797. In a private collection for the last 50 years, the unknown Turner has now created a stir of excitement and will be auctioned with an estimate of £7,000- 10,000.
The Dower House, Boughton, Northamptonshire
Select contents of the Dower House, Boughton, Northamptonshire, home of the late Valerie Finnis, will also be offered in this exceptional sale. Finnis, a well-respected gardener, photographer and philanthropist, recorded her world of wonderful gardens and friends in a splendid archive of photographs. Through the years, Dower House welcomed many fascinating visitors, all of whom Finnis photographed with her beloved Rolleiflex. Included amongst those she photographed are Sir David Bowes Lyon, Vita Sackville-West, Percy Thrower and Roald Dahl. These images, and many more, were preserved in her leather bound photograph albums.
To view the fully illustrated catalog, as well as place absentee and live bids, visit www.LiveAuctioneers.com
