After inheriting Glyn Cywarch, the family house and grounds in Talsarnau, Gwynedd in Wales, on the death of his father in February, Ormsby Gore has decided to put his film career on hold to focus on the estate.
To fund the upkeep of the Grade II-listed property he has made the decision to auction off 400 pieces from the family collection at Bonhams in March.
Lots to be sold include:
- A set of seven George III giltwood framed open armchairs in the manner of Robert Adam with 18th century gros and petit point needlework upholstered backs arms and seats each illustrating a different Aesop fable. They carry an estimate of £50,000-80,000.
- Family Library including personally inscribed manuscripts by Jackie Kennedy attesting to the family's close friendship with President John F. Kennedy.
- A painting by British 18th century artist Daniel Quigley of The Godolphin Arabian – the horse that fathered the modern thoroughbred bloodstock, extensively inscribed with history of the stallion and its offspring. It carries an estimate of £15,000-20,000.
- A diamond rivière necklace set with 56 old cushion-cut diamonds and a 19th century diamond set pendant carrying an estimate of £18,000-22,000.
The family are well known in fashion circles. Ormsby Gore, the 7th Baron
Harlech, has built a career shooting films for musicians and fashion brands, his sister is It-girl and model Tallulah and his mother is model and fashion muse Lady Amanda Harlech.
His father, Francis Ormsby-Gore known as Frank, was the 6th Baron Harlech and was son of Britain’s Kennedy-era ambassador to Washington.
Ormsby Gore said the Bonhams’ sale provides an “opportunity to realise important funds to help restore this historic house back to its magnificent best”.
The auction will take place at Bonhams in Bond Street, London on March 29.
