An eclectic mix of more than 1,000 fascinating lots – including a major collection amassed by Major Peter Gardner over 50 years – come to auction in August. A three-day Summer Fine Art & Collectables Auction will be held at Bishton Hall, Staffordshire, from August 16-18, 2021.
The general public are welcome to join the fun. They can watch items go under the hammer in the 1,713-lot sale, described as ‘exceptional’ by Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers.
Visitors can stroll in the gardens at Bishton Hall, Wolseley Bridge, enjoy refreshments at The Antique Bean Tearoom and soak up the auction atmosphere. However, please be aware that BBC Bargain Hunt will be filming episodes of the popular TV show on August 17-18 and seats in the auction marquee have been reserved by guests.
To whet your appetite for the excitement ahead of the sale, valuer Oliver Thomas has picked out 10 of his favourite lots. There is something to suit every pocket in the sale with guide prices starting prices from as little as £5 up to £8,000-£12,000, our most expensive lot, which features below.
Cottage Charm | Lot 1339
This signed painting, above, oil on canvas, of a rustic cottage with mountains beyond is by Sir Kyffin Williams OBE, RA. Williams (1918-2006) was a Welsh landscape painter who lived at Pwllfanogl, Llanfairpwll, on the Island of Anglesey. He is widely regarded as the defining artist of Wales during the 20th century. Provenance: Part of a Staffordshire deceased estate. The owner and his wife were friends of Kyffin Williams. £8,000-£12,000.
J K Rowling & Potter Magic | Lot 18
Hansons is renowned for its Harry Potter book finds and this is another nice example signed by author J k Rowling. It’s a hardback first issue of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, London: Bloomsbury, 1998, publisher’s pictorial boards complete with dust-jacket. Print line reads ’10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1′. Signed by the author in bold blue ink on dedication page, ‘To Angela, Happy 13th Birthday! Have a much better birthday than Harry – J K Rowling’. Contents very good, dust-jacket faded. A very good copy. The second novel in the Harry Potter series. £4,000-£6,000
Fairground Fun | lot 1433
All the fun of the fair could be yours – in miniature. From the Cyril Kempshall Fairground Collection comes this working 1/17th scale model of Noah’s Ark Speed Way. Hand-built and painted by Cyril Kempshall, it was built in the 1980s over a period of years. The mechanisms within the ride are similar to that of a full-size model. Measuring approx. 92cm x 90cm at its widest points, and 45cm at its highest point, the item also comes with a fitted wooden box. £700-£1,000
Fine Furniture | Lot 2275
There is nothing like a piece of fine antique furniture to capture old world grandeur, quality and craftsmanship. This George III mahogany serpentine dressing chest, circa 1760 and in the manner of Thomas Chippendale, has a crossbanded top with a slight over-sailing moulded edge, above a brushing slide with fitted inlet interior, over four shaped gradual drawers with foliage swan neck brass handles. 86cm H x 107cm W x 56cm D. £500-£800.
Clock Grandeur | Lot 1255
Classic clocks are very much in vogue and, if space allows, this is a fine exampl. This George III oak longcase clock is by William Fenton of Newcastle, circa 1775. It has a moulded dental pediment, 32cm brass-arched face inscribed with the maker’s name, moon phase and cast gilt foliate and c-scroll spandrels, Roman numerals and Arabic five-minutes outer track, subsidiary seconds dial, twin 8-day wind-up keyholes and 8-day movement. The arched door IS flanked by fluted columns, the trunk with moulded edge arched door flanked by quarter fluted columns. 211cm H. £300-£400
1920s Silver Style | Lot 1072
The art of drinking tea in 1920s style is demonstrated by this three-piece George V silver tea set with ‘S’ monogram. The teapot has a scrolling imitation wooden handle coming out of a fox’s mouth. This exquisite lot was made in Glasgow in1920 by J.B. & S and has a weight of 1270g. £400-£600
Timeless Elegance | Lot 1005
I love the timeless elegance this 9ct rose gold graduated watch chain with T-bar. It includes a 9ct yellow gold shield-shaped medallion with vacant cartouche together with a two-colour gold fob seal housing a serpent surmount set carnelian carved bust portrait intaglio, chain and medallion. Gross weight approx. 52.3g. £150-£200
Billiards Brilliance | Lot 2536
If you like billiards and antiques this 19th century mahogany billiard ball and cue stand would make an admirable addition to a games room. 94cm H x 45cm diameter. £150-£250
Sea Nostalgia | Lot 1398
Cruise lovers of the world can step back in time with this evocative Cunard poster advertising trips setting sail from Liverpool to the USA and Canada in the 1950s. A lovely pictorial piece of history. £120-£180.
Boer War Chocolates | Lot 1459
You may love chocolate but these are definitely to keep – not eat – as the sweet treat inside is 121 years old. This rare and complete Boer War Victorian Christmas chocolate tin box, with original Rowntrees chocolates, dates back to 1900. Part of the Major Peter Gardner collection. £100-£150.
Catalogue due live at www.hansonslive.co.uk by 5pm on Aug 9
Catalogue at www.the-saleroom.com
Please note, it is cheaper to bid online at www.hansonslive.co.uk. Click here to register to bid with hansonslive
