Our October auction of The Contents of Beal House, Yorkshire features everything you might expect from the eclectic contents of a traditional English country house, such as 18th and 19th century furniture and furnishings, decorative Asian ceramics, portraits and figural sculptures, as well as an array of garden statuary and ornaments.
Our specialists have chosen a few of their favourite pieces to share as highlights from our forthcoming auction...
LOT 115 | AFTER THE ANTIQUE, LARGE BRONZE FIGURE OF THE DANCING FAUN | 19TH CENTURY
A highlight that stands out in our forthcoming auction is our catalogue cover lot, The Dancing Faun. I have chosen this piece as it typifies the late Ian Stewart’s taste for classical 19th century bronzes, as popular today as they were then. The original dancing faun was unearthed in Pompeii in 1830 and acquired its fame almost instantly. Some have said it is the finest bronze ever found at Pompeii and its reproductions quickly became a 19th century ‘Grand Tour’ classic. I love its joyous nature.
- Gavin Strang, Managing Director & Head of Sale
Take a closer look at Lot 115 ⇒
Mary Beale is a relatively recent discovery for me, only being properly exposed her work in our 2019 London exhibition, ‘Bright Souls: The Forgotten Story of Britain’s First Female Artists'. It is a real treat to be able to handle this Portrait by Mary Beale in our forthcoming Beal House auction.
- Nick Curnow, Head of Paintings
Take a closer look at Lot 79 ⇒
There are many tempting pieces from Beal House that catch the eye, but if I had to choose one to own it would be lot 336, the rather beautiful late Regency side cabinet. It oozes quality: from the use of the exotic veneers like partridgewood and amboyna, to the understated grey veined marble top, to the Egyptian revival terms at the canted corners. It is a real cabinetmaker’s showpiece and beautifully constructed, with attention given to every detail. The use of the contrasting vibrant veneers outlined with the black components is particularly striking, all intended for maximum visual impact. It would be a perfect addition to a gentleman’s library or for someone looking for a signature piece to complement an English ‘Grand Tour’ interior.
- Douglas Girton, Head of Fine Furniture and Works of Art
Take a closer look at Lot 336 ⇒
This pair of Scandinavian Urns is my favourite lot as the vibrant colour grabs your attention from afar, and on close inspection the fine metalwork details really add to their charm.
- Jamie Russell, Furniture, Clcks & Works of Art
Take a closer look at Lot 185 ⇒
This lot offered in our Beal House sale is a fine example of Qianjiang enamelled vase. Delicately crafted and signed by the acclaimed artist, 義茂 Yi Mao, the vase celebrates, not the usual shanshui landscape, but a bird perched on a flowering twig. The reverse is inscribed with a corresponding poem and is dated on the month of chrysanthemum, traditionally known as the ninth month in the Chinese lunar calendar.
Qianjiang enamel is a porcelain decoration technique popular during the Late Qing to Early Republic Period. Literally means “light umber”, the overglaze painted landscapes are outlined with ink and complemented by strokes of pale umber to designate the lit areas of the landscape.
- Tsai Yiing Ing, Asian Works of Art
Take a closer look at Lot 307 ⇒
My favourite thing is Lot 554, the early 19th Century needlework panel. A wonderfully evocative depiction of the landscape, animals and dwellings of the everyday lives of a rural community in the early 19th Century. It is folk art at its best! It would be fascinating to know who it was sewn by.
- Katie Hannah, Furniture, Clocks & Works of Art
Take a closer look at Lot 554 ⇒
This whimsy figure used to be the watchdog over all the treasures in the drawing room, where it resided next to the sofa. Austrian terracotta figures like this one are formed and painted very realistically, and to make our pug here even more life-like, the eyes are made from glass! No wonder these are highly sought-after by collectors.
- Kerstin Schaeffer, Administrator
Take a closer look at Lot 213 ⇒
My favourite lot from the silver section of our Beal House auction is lot 243, the Edwardian Silver Playing Card Box by James Deakin & Sons. For me, the wonderful care and design of the presentation of these playing cards reflects the importance of social activities during the Edwardian Era.
- Kier Mulholland, Silver
Take a closer look at Lot 243 ⇒
We are delighted to present the fine and eclectic contents of Beal House, Yorkshire, in a single owner auction taking place live online over two days on Wednesday 14th and Thursday 15th October 2020.
Discover More About The Collection ⇒
Viewing by appointment in Edinburgh 10th to 13th October