FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

4/20/10

Fine English & Continental Furniture, Silver & Decorative Arts

Freeman’s is pleased to offer an important and impressive private collection of English furniture, to be sold on May 4th, followed with Fine Continental Furniture and Decorative Arts on May 5th.

Consigned by a past Presidential cabinet member from Virginia, the collection represents a unique opportunity for the collector and connoisseur to acquire some of the finest English furniture to be offered in the U.S. in recent memory.  Fresh to the market, and assembled during the 1980 and 90’s from the best of the UK trade, the thirty piece collection include many items directly influenced by the far reaching 1754 design book Gentleman and Cabinet Makers Director, by Thomas Chippendale.  Included are a George II Chippendale mahogany dressing chest estimates at $40,000-60,000 and a Fine George II Chippendale commode, estimated at $60,000-80,000, as well as a hanging shelf attributed to Strawberry Hill Mansion and several fine George II marble top side tables.

The auction also includes works by and after Linnell and Gillows, two of the most desirable designs after Thomas Chippendale, including a recently discovered George II gilt wood and marble top side table, carved with centered Bacchanalian mask flanked with vine leaves. Similar masks have been observed on card and side tables supplied by William Linnell to Richard Hoare for Barn Elms in 1740.  A fine and scarce Regency wine tasting table after Gillows will appeal to many prospective buyers, as it retains the original decorated paper-mache cups, and was produced in limited quantities during the late 18th century.

The second day will include European furniture and decorative arts, featuring a large Italian silver and enamel mounted rock crystal crucifix.  Sold to benefit a Philadelphia Trust, it carries a conservative auction estimate of $10,000-15,000. Also on offer in our Continental sale is a selection of fine French furniture: an expected highlight is a late 19th century Durand stamped Bureau Plat.  

Exhibition times are Friday April 30th and Saturday May 1st, 10am to 4:30pm, Sunday May 2nd by appointment and Monday May 3rd, 10am to 4:30pm.  For more information and to view the entire catalogue online, visit www.freemansauction.com or contact Lily Stone (lstone@freemansauction.com, 267.414.1240).