Eliza Hopewell | Artistry, Heritage and Auctions

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^{An etched glass mirror mid-18th century (£800-1,200) from the collection of Kathleen Jessie Raine CBE and thence by descent.}

Eliza Hopewell is an inspiring and celebrated multidisciplinary artist hailing from south-east London. Initially recognised for her vibrant and thought-provoking painted ceramic plates, Eliza’s work celebrates the beauty and authenticity of the female form, whilst challenging the pictorial traditions of the female nude.

Her work has been commissioned all over the world and has expanded across various specialisms, including painting, printmaking and furniture. Most notably is the establishment of the interior design company ‘artistshousebroccoli’ with artist, furniture maker, exhibition designer and partner, Theodore Vass. She has exhibited in multiple international fairs, most recently ‘Origins’, Rhodes Contemporary Fine Art’, London, 2023, and ‘Al Dente: A feast for the Senses’ at Berntson Bhattacharjee, London, 2023. She also has permanent collections across four Soho Houses in London and Oxfordshire, and has hosted various workshops at Tate Britain.

In our upcoming sale, the Fine Interiors team feel privileged to present a mid-18th-century North Italian or South German etched glass mirror, consigned by Eliza and once owned by her great-grandmother, the renowned British poet, critic, and scholar Kathleen Raine CBE.

Although Kathleen passed away in 2003, she has left a lasting legacy with her insightful exploration of themes including nature, spirituality and the human condition. She received numerous awards and honours for her work, including the Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry in 1992. Her poetry continues to resonate in today’s world, cherished for its lyrical beauty and profound philosophical depth, drawing inspiration from mythology, religion and the natural world.  We are thrilled that a small part of the lives of Kathleen and Eliza has now found its way to Sworders, and we asked Eliza a few questions on the process.

^{An etched glass mirror mid-18th century (£800-1,200) from the collection of Kathleen Jessie Raine CBE and thence by descent.}

What drew you to the auction house process and Sworders in particular?

I knew that this mirror was really special; I remember it hanging in my great-grandmother's house in Paultons Square when I was a child (when I look at it I still recall the scent of her house - lapsang souchong and meringues!).

My aunt inherited it after Kathleen died and it was a centrepiece too in her Hackney flat. When it came to me, I knew I didn't have the space for it, but I wanted it to go to someone who was sensitive to its origin. 

I did some research and Sworders kept coming up, and it felt right to sell the mirror where it would really be taken care of - specialists in the fine art and interiors world. 

How have you found the journey with Sworders so far?

Wonderful. They have been meticulous in finding out as much as possible about the mirror and where it came from. The exact level of sensitivity I was after.

Do you tend to use auction houses in either your line of work or personal life? If so,
how? And if not, could you see yourself using them more in future?

I haven't much, however, I do have some more family heirlooms that might one day reach auction! 

I love beautiful things and my work takes me often into the interior design world. An auction house would be the first place I'd look for something really special if I was doing up a room.

What advice would you give to someone who is new to using auction houses?

With the right auction house, they will really pay attention to the story of the piece you are selling or buying. 

Tuesday 11 & Wednesday 12 June

fineinteriors@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778

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