The latest book sale performed beyond all expectations with Charles Dickens and Mick Jagger leading the way
BOOKS SALE DEFIES EXPECTATIONS
The latest book sale performed beyond all expectations with Charles Dickens and Mick Jagger leading the way
Sworders were delighted to present a successful Books & Maps sale on Tuesday 31 March. There were three significant collections including those from leading American journalist Linda Stevens and esteemed typographer John Lewis.
Linda Stevens served as an assistant books (and cartoon editor) of Cosmopolitan, Acquisitions Editor at Berkley/Putnam Books, and was for many years a world-travelling reporter for the New York Post. Almost all the books were First Editions, signed/signed and inscribed to her by their authors/illustrators. They were all in very good or better condition and most with price unclipped dust wrappers. The highlight of the collection was a set of three editions of the world famous 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee, which fetched £2,900.
Another remarkable collection was around 100 lots from the library of John and Griselda Lewis. John Lewis (1912-1996): typographer, illustrator, boat designer and sailor. He wrote extensively on the graphic arts. Among a dozen or more of his books were: Printed Ephemera, Anatomy of Printing and monographs on the artists William Heath Robinson, Rowland Hilder and John Nash. Griselda Lewis (1918-2014) was a writer, designer and ceramics collector. She wrote: A Collector's History of English Pottery, A Picture History of English Pottery and An Introduction to English Pottery.
However, the leading lot in this collection was three volumes of both 'Great Expectations' and 'Master Humphrey's Clock' by Charles Dickens. After some very competitive bidding from a number of interested bidders, the books were eventually sold to a UK buyer for £9,000.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable sale with some fantastic results. Sworders are already working on the next Books & Maps sale which will take place on Tuesday 20 October. For any further enquiries please do not hesitate to contact us on (+44) (0)1279 817778 or auctions@sworder.co.uk.
Thoughtfully curated works from a Chester Jones designed interior will be offered in the upcoming 25 & 26 March Fine Interiors sale. Further treasures from the collection will then appear in Sworders’ Modern & Contemporary Art, Design, and Old Master, British and European Art auctions.
13 March 2025
We are delighted to present Paul Atkinson | The Nomadic Collector, a two-day sale at Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers on 13 and 14 May 2025. This remarkable collection, spanning continents and centuries, reflects Paul’s insatiable curiosity and lifelong passion for dealing, with highlights including Grand Tour bronzes, Anglo-Indian carvings, Ottoman swords, African tribal masks, and European furniture.
11 March 2025
The medals and ephemera of Air Commodore Vic Willis will be offered as part of our upcoming Homes and Interiors (with Arms and Militaria) auction, taking place on Tuesday 18 & Wednesday 19 March.
11 March 2025