Set of four Regency bamboo and simulated bamboo side chairs attributed to the London firm of Bailey, Tatham & Saunders and supplied to Mary, dowager Marchioness of Downshire (1764-1836) for the Chinese Room at Ombersley Court, c.1814. They are guided at £3000-5000 at Christie’s.
The early 18th century home, with Baroque and Regency interiors, was home to the Sandys family for nearly 300 years before it was sold to local businessman Tim Hopkins in 2017.
Some of the family’s artworks were gifted to institutions - Sir Thomas Lawrence’s portrait of Marcus Hill, 3rd Baron Sandys (1798-1863) was acquired by Historic Royal Palaces for Hillsborough Castle, for example. However, the remailing collection, some 220 lots, will be offered at Christie’s King Street on November 29.
The Great Hall at Ombersley Court, Worcestershire.
Christie’s specialist Adrian Hume-Sayer said: “Sales such as this are rare today. The collection from Ombersley Court follows a single family over the course of more than 400 years and the objects’ unbroken provenance weaves a captivating story.”
Many of the works of art were acquired or commissioned for Ombersley following the construction of the present house in the early 18th century, with others coming to the family by inheritance. They range from some valuable 17th and 18th century Old Masters and George I and George II giltwood furniture to more ‘playful’ 19th and early 20th century decorative objects of the type one might expect in an English country house.
Estimates start at £500 with lots guided at £1000 or below offered without reserve.
