Join us as we recap some of the most notable highlights from our 2024 sales and celebrate another successful year.
19 December 2024
A NOTE FROM OUR CHAIRMAN
I am delighted to report that Sworders has enjoyed another successful year, despite the challenges posed by occasionally difficult trading conditions. Political upheaval and uncertainty remain our nemesis, while fine-quality works of art continue to be our steadfast allies.
The year began with three outstanding single-owner collections: the legendary dealer, the late Maurice 'Dick' Turpin; the remarkable Warner Dailey; and the extraordinary Sculpture Park collection. These were followed by a highly successful autumn season, setting a strong foundation for the months ahead.
Looking forward, we are thrilled to offer a host of exceptional auctions in the spring, including several noteworthy single-owner collections.
The season begins with Holkham | The Attic Sale, to be conducted on site at Holkham on Tuesday 11 February. This unique auction features items stored for generations in the Hall’s expansive attics and cellars, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire a piece of stately home heritage. With estimates ranging from just £100 to £30,000, the sale caters to a wide range of collectors. The catalogue is now available to view online, and a printed catalogue will soon be released - I highly recommend ordering your copy early.
The following week, we will host an End of an Era auction, presenting the remaining stock of Guinevere Antiques. After 61 illustrious years on London’s King’s Road, this iconic business has closed its doors, and we are honoured to handle their final collection. Remarkably, all lots will be offered without reserve at our Stansted Mountfitchet Auction Rooms. As with the Holkham sale, an online preview is available, and a printed catalogue will be issued in the new year.
On Tuesday 4 March, we will feature the principal contents of the magnificent Boden Hall in Cheshire. These treasures, lovingly curated over nearly 30 years by William and Victoria Wrather, will be relocated to our Stansted Rooms for sale. Highlights include a stunning double portrait by Sir John Lavery of his wife Hazel and his daughter Eileen, a beautiful double portrait by Harold Harvey, William’s remarkable collection of walking sticks, Victoria’s charming teapot collection, and much more.
In addition to these special events, our regular auction calendar remains as robust as ever, including our popular thrice-weekly Homes and Interiors Auctions.
I cannot recall a more exciting time to be at Sworders, and I look forward to welcoming many of you as you explore and enjoy the remarkable treasures we have to offer.
Guy Schooling
2024 commenced with a landmark single-owner sale on 25 January, featuring the contents of the West London flat of Maurice ‘Dick’ Turpin (1928–2005). Renowned as one of Britain’s most influential antiques dealers of the 20th century, Dick achieved legendary status over his illustrious fifty-year career. His name became synonymous with exceptional quality and impeccable taste, but his larger-than-life persona left an equally indelible impression. Towering in stature with his signature walrus moustache, thick glasses, Harris tweed trilby, and ever-present pipe, his distinctively high-pitched voice was an endearing hallmark to those who knew him.
The sale achieved a remarkable 100% sold rate, underscoring the enduring appeal of Turpin’s meticulously curated collection. Notable highlights included a pair of George III Derbyshire Blue John and ormolu 'Cleopatra' candle vases, which realised an impressive £33,800, and a Chinese blue and white yuhuchun vase from the Yongzheng period (1723–1735), which achieved £29,900. This auction not only celebrated Turpin’s exceptional eye for antiques but also reaffirmed his enduring legacy in the art and antiques world.
Left - A pair of George III Derbyshire Blue John and ormolu 'Cleopatra' candle vases (Sold for £33,800); Right - A Chinese blue and white yuhuchun vase (Sold for £29,900)
The Sworders single-owner success streak continued with The Warner Dailey Collection, compiled over a lifetime of dealing, running, rummaging and skip diving. Warner's Wunderkammer struck a chord with the press and buyers alike. The sale received worldwide attention, with all who encountered it becoming charmed and captivated by the wonderful objects selected for sale. The enchanting narrative that accompanied them, combined with Warner's passion and enthusiasm for the items included, remains as fervent now as it has been throughout his remarkable 65-year career.
Where else could one buy the stomach contents of a Ganges crocodile which achieved £930, an anti-slavery tobacco box that realised £9,920, and the continuous discharge certificate for Shackleton's ships cook Charles Green which sold for £5208. Warners advice to would be collectors is to buy what you love and to let the objects take you somewhere. 'That’s the great thing, these objects will totally change your life and change the way you look at things.' ; we hope that holds true for the buyers in the sale, but know that the sale will live long in the memory of the Sworders team.
A group of objects found inside a Ganges crocodile (Sold for £930)
In the Spring, we hosted The Sculpture Park | Shaping The Future, an online sale that ran from 26 April to 19 May and featured over 400 lots from a vast collection of modern and contemporary sculpture assembled by the renowned artist, collector and dealer, Eddie Powell. We took great pleasure in facilitating and presenting this timed sale for Eddie and The Sculpture Park team. To those who know him, Eddie is a force of nature, a man whose drive, imagination and vision have led the Surrey-based park to become the fantastical wonderland that it is today, and it was clear from the outset that he would be applying this trademark enthusiasm to the creation of this sale.
Joseph Hillier (b.1974) (Sold for £23,400)
Highlights from the sale included Joseph Hillier’s Digital Rendition 3, a 260cm tall figure in stainless steel, selling for £23,400, and Denis Mitchell’s bronze Polzeath achieving £14,950.
The Design Department was delighted to feature a ‘PP-19’ or 'Papa Bear' armchair, designed by Hans J. Wegner (Danish, 1914–2007), in their April sale. Achieving a remarkable price of £10,400, the sale underscored Wegner’s enduring legacy as a master of chair design and creator of some of the 20th century’s most iconic pieces.
The ‘PP-19’, affectionately known as the ‘Papa Bear’ armchair, is one of Wegner’s most distinctive and celebrated creations. True to his design philosophy, Wegner believed a chair should be comfortable in a variety of positions—whether sitting conventionally or lounging with a leg draped over the armrest. The Papa Bear armchair exemplifies this versatility, which undoubtedly contributed to the enthusiastic bidding it inspired.
A Danish 'PP-19' or 'Papa Bear' armchair (Sold for £10,400)
Murano, Venini, and Carlo Scarpa form a celebrated trio in the world of art glass, and their appeal was evident in the sale of this ‘Laccati Neri e Rossi’ bowl. Although a later example of the design originally conceived in 1938, it captivated bidders, achieving £3,500.
The interwar years were challenging for glassmakers, with the First World War taking a toll on skilled craftsmanship. Yet, this avant-garde bowl emerged as a beacon of innovation, showcasing bold design that helped inspire Murano’s enduring legacy. Its influence continued to fuel the creative brilliance of Murano glassmakers for decades to come.
Dame Lucie Rie is a revered figure in the world of design, widely regarded as a leading name in the studio pottery movement and celebrated alongside the greats of the decorative arts. Her legacy was further elevated by her renowned partnership with Hans Coper, and her works have become increasingly sought after by collectors.
This porcelain footed bowl, sourced from a private collection focused on 20th-century potters, exemplifies Rie’s artistry. Thinly potted, skilfully glazed, and bearing her distinctive impressed seal mark, it embodies the hallmarks of her craftsmanship. Surpassing pre-sale expectations, the piece achieved an impressive £32,500.
Dame Lucie Rie (Austrian, 1902-1995) (Sold for £32,500)
In our July Design sale, we brought to market 106 items from the estate of architect and interior designer Max Clendinning (1924-2020) and theatre designer Ralph Adron (1939-2023).
It was an extraordinary collection, as one newspaper reporter who visited the Clendinning-Adron home in 2012, described it as ‘miximalism’ which provided the collection with its ‘wow’ factor.
Within the collection the standout pieces were glass and ceramic works by Ettore Sottsass, ceramics by Pablo Picasso and Jean Cocteau, mixed with Victorian and Aesthetic works, seated alongside furniture designed by Max Clendinning himself. The collection sold for £133,900.
In March, we had the privilege of handling the collection of the late Sir Clinton Charles Donald Cory, 5th Baronet of Coryton—a lifelong aesthete and devoted collector of objets d’art and antiquities, particularly Attic pottery and numismatics. Sworders were delighted to present his remarkable collection of antiquities in our March Fine Interiors sale.
The collection garnered significant interest, achieving a 100% sold rate and finding new homes in collections around the globe. This outstanding success stands as a testament to Sir Clinton’s discerning eye and enduring passion for the arts.
Our June Fine Interiors sale featured exceptional highlights, including a remarkable collection of plaster of Paris models from the estate of Ben Weinreb (1912–1992). This impressive group included three models attributed to Jean-Pierre and François Fouquet, representing the Temple of Hera II at Paestum, the Maison Carrée, and the Ilisos Temple.
Left - A plaster of Paris model of Maison Carrée (Sold for £11,700); Center - A plaster of Paris model of Ilisos Temple (Sold for £11,050); Right - A plaster of Paris model of the Temple of Hera II at Paestum (Sold for £12,350)
Ben Weinreb, born in Halifax, West Yorkshire, was a renowned antiquarian bookseller and architectural historian whose lifetime of acquisitions has greatly contributed to the study of architectural history worldwide. His meticulously crafted models were met with enthusiastic bidding, achieving 150% of their pre-sale estimate and highlighting the enduring appeal of his legacy.
Highlights from our September sale included a composite Royal Copenhagen 'Flora Danica' porcelain part dinner service, which achieved an impressive £12,350, and a Neoclassical carved stone capital. The capital attracted strong competition from telephone and online bidders, ultimately realising £11,050.
A composite Royal Copenhagen 'Flora Danica' porcelain part dinner service (Sold for £12,350)
2024 has been an exceptional year for Sworders’ Pictures Department, with nine successful auctions showcasing an impressive array of art spanning Old Master, British, and European works to Modern and Contemporary masterpieces. The department offered a diverse mix of paintings, prints, drawings, and sculptures, drawing significant international interest and achieving outstanding hammer prices across all categories.
Our Modern and Contemporary sales were particularly remarkable, with the growing market for British art taking centre stage. A standout moment was the sale of the late Sir Donald Cory's personal collection of works by Henry Scott Tuke. Intense bidding culminated in A Young Man Among Rocks at the Water's Edge, signed 'H. S. TUKE', achieving £19,500.
Henry Scott Tuke RA RWS (1858-1929) (Sold for £19,500)
The October sale further cemented the year’s success, featuring notable works by Ruskin Spear and Terence Cuneo from the Pam and David McCleave Collection, as well as prints from the Estate of Stanley Jones. The sale also included highly sought-after pieces by Modern British artists, including Mary Fedden, David Bomberg, and Sir Alfred James Munnings, contributing to a remarkable hammer total of £1.15 million.
Our Old Master, British, and European Art auctions in 2024 delivered outstanding results, bolstered by strong global participation.
A highlight from the June sale was an exquisite portrait believed to depict Lady Arabella Stuart, which achieved an impressive £46,800. In the same auction, a portrait of Charles-Philippe, the future King Charles X of France, sold for £36,400.
Attributed to George Gower (c.1540-1596) (Sold for £46,800)
Charming portraiture continued to captivate collectors in the November sale. Portrait of Miss Betty Mylne by Edward Arthur Walton fetched £48,340, while a pair of portraits of Indian Princes by Albert Edward Harris reached an extraordinary £47,060 after competitive bidding.
Venetian works also attracted significant interest. A piece by a Follower of Canaletto achieved £32,500, and Carlo Grubacs’ Festivities on the Grand Canal sold for £24,700.
Follower of Canaletto (Sold for £32,500)
The Dutch paintings section was equally impressive. A still life by the Circle of Jacob van Hulsdonck realized £24,700, while a work by Cornelis Springer sold for £43,500.
Sworders continues to build strong relationships with collectors worldwide, a key factor in the success of these auctions. Our reputation for offering world-class consignments—including works by George Lappas and Christopher Savva—has been further cemented this year. Looking ahead to 2025, we remain committed to delivering exceptional results for our sellers and buyers alike.
Our June sale of Classic Cars and Motorcycles was headlined by an exceptional 1935 Aston Martin 1.5L MKII Long Chassis Open Tourer, which achieved a remarkable £82,600.
This rare model is one of the final 45 1.5L MKII long chassis tourers produced between 1934 and 1936, and one of just 11 known survivors today. Powered by a 1495cc engine delivering 70bhp, the car was renowned for its exceptional handling and braking, earning it a reputation as one of the finest "point-to-point" sports cars of its era.
1935 Aston Martin 1.5L MKII Long Chassis Open Tourer (Sold for £82,600)
Adding to its allure is its fascinating provenance. The car was originally purchased by Lord Howard de Walden, a billionaire landlord, racehorse owner, and breeder. A prominent figure in British society, Lord Howard de Walden owned over 120 acres of central London and was a three-time senior steward of the Jockey Club. His fortune was estimated at £2 billion at the time of his death in 1999.
One particularly intriguing anecdote involves the car's role in a moment of historical irony. During the 1930s, while driving in Germany, Lord Howard de Walden accidentally struck Adolf Hitler with the vehicle. Although Hitler escaped with only minor injuries, Lord Howard de Walden often reflected on the event, noting that had he been traveling just a bit faster, the course of history might have been dramatically altered. "For a few seconds," he later remarked, "I held the history of Europe in my rather clumsy hands".
Unheated Ceylon sapphires have experienced a surge in popularity at auctions in recent years. Alongside unheated Kashmir and Burmese sapphires, they are highly sought after by collectors and investors for their authenticity and exceptional rarity. A standout piece from our May Fine Jewellery sale was an exquisite early 20th-century Ceylon sapphire and diamond line bracelet, originating from a private family collection which achieved £20,800. According to a report from the Gemmological Certification Services, the sapphires were confirmed to be from Sri Lanka, with no evidence of heat treatment. This lack of colour enhancement significantly heightened its appeal among discerning bidders.
A Ceylon sapphire and diamond rivière bracelet, c.1920 (Sold for £20,800)
A standout piece from our recent November Fine Jewellery & Watches auction was a breathtaking C bracelet by Cartier. Crafted in 18ct white gold and adorned with meticulously set round brilliant-cut diamonds, this exquisite piece embodies the essence of luxury. It also showcases the exceptional craftsmanship and artistry for which Cartier is celebrated worldwide, selling for £16,900.
Left - An 18ct white gold C de Cartier diamond line bracelet (Sold for £16,900); Right - An 18ct gold and diamond Cartier Tank Americaine ladies' bracelet watch (Sold for £12,350)
Cartier watches have long held a prestigious position in the luxury watch market, with their popularity at auctions continuing to rise. Celebrated for their exceptional craftsmanship, timeless designs, and storied legacy, Cartier timepieces captivate both seasoned collectors and emerging enthusiasts. A recent highlight from the watch section of our Fine Jewellery sale was an 18ct gold, diamond-set Cartier Tank Américaine. Featuring a beautifully crafted gold bracelet adorned with dazzling diamonds, this iconic timepiece epitomizes timeless luxury. Offered by a single private owner, the watch came complete with its original box and papers, achieving an impressive £12,350.
A remarkable Tang dynasty (618–907) pottery horse led the charge in our May Asian Art auction, achieving an incredible £117,000. Standing at 59.5cm tall and elegantly modelled on a rectangular base, the sculpture features a cream glaze accented with amber, green, and blue highlights, embodying the artistry of its era.
This extraordinary piece carries a rich provenance. Known affectionately as "Arkle" by the family—after the legendary 20th-century racehorse—it was originally acquired by Col. and Mrs. A.L. Gracie, residents of London’s Cadogan Square, from the renowned dealer John Sparks Ltd. Passed down through generations, the horse’s historical significance and familial charm captivated bidders, ensuring its place as a highlight of the sale.
A Chinese sancai-glazed pottery horse (Sold for £117,000)
Rounding off the year with our November sale in which a set of Kangxi famille verte sweetmeat dishes, synonymous with the pinnacle of Qing dynasty porcelain craftsmanship, reflecting both artistic finesse and deep cultural symbolism, sold for £124,800. Characterised by their vibrant colours and intricate designs, these dishes not only serve a practical purpose, but also embody pre-eminent themes cherished in Chinese society. Complete sets of this type are rare, but two noteworthy collections reside in prominent institutions - the Palace Museum in Beijing and the Nanjing Museum. International auction houses have recognised the significance of these dishes, with sales in 1986 and 2016 drawing considerable interest from collectors and connoisseurs alike. These events highlight not only the ongoing allure of Kangxi famille verte porcelain, but also the continued relevance of these cultural artefacts in contemporary society.
A rare set of Chinese famille verte sweetmeat dishes (Sold for £124,800)
Concluding the year on a high, our November Asian Art sale featured a remarkable set of Kangxi famille verte sweetmeat dishes, epitomising the pinnacle of Qing dynasty porcelain craftsmanship. These dishes, celebrated for their vibrant colours, intricate designs, and profound cultural symbolism, achieved an impressive £124,800. Beyond their practical use, they embody revered themes central to Chinese society. Complete sets of this nature are exceptionally rare, with notable examples housed in the Palace Museum in Beijing and the Nanjing Museum. Their significance has also been acknowledged on the international stage, with prominent auction sales in 1986 and 2016 captivating collectors and connoisseurs. These milestones underscore the enduring allure of Kangxi famille verte porcelain and its continued cultural resonance in the modern era.
Our most frequent auction, Homes and Interiors, held every three weeks has seen a fabulously diverse range of items sold throughout the seventeen sales we held in 2024. It services all our departments and clients, with a regular offering of items that aren’t in our specialist sales. January saw taxidermy from Riddlesworth Hall, in Norfolk, by the Norwich maker TE Gunn, collectively selling for £23,400. Our militaria, collectables and toys sections were ever present, with collections galore through the year, one of our favorites was the exquisite 2nd Volunteer Battalion Scottish Gordon Highlanders dirk, selling for £3,120.
During the year we have sold collections for executors, estates, and our private clients around the country. The department favourites include: the contents of a house in Camden; the contents of a Knightsbridge town house - A Taste of High Society | Discover the Treasures of London's Knightsbridge; the property of the late Baron John Mauger Langin, including an exceptional collection of Wedgwood; and the collection of John Savident, the Coronation Street actor - John Savident | A Theatrical Life Beyond Coronation Street.
Silver prices have risen throughout the year, with our largest section accounting for a fifth of the total hammer sold in 2024.
Over 9500 lots were processed, photographed, condition reported and auctioned throughout 2024.
Christmas is round the corner, and the team have managed to turn around another sale for you all that is viewing on our website over the festive period; unbelievably only a week after finishing their last auction of 2024! Follow the link to the sale listing here Homes and Interiors.
At Sworders, community and compassion are at the heart of what we do, reflected in our annual tradition of supporting a chosen charity. In 2024, we were proud to champion Young Lives vs Cancer, a charity providing vital support to children and young people (aged 0-25) and their families during the challenges of cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Throughout the year, we hosted various fundraising events, including a special evening at our Stansted Mountfitchet salerooms featuring a drinks reception, a preview of our October Modern and Contemporary Art sale, and an inspiring talk by Head of Paintings, Amy Scanlon. Other initiatives, such as our Bake Off, raised £270, while staff embraced the festive spirit with Christmas Jumper Day on 12 December.
Thanks to these collective efforts, we are delighted to announce that we have raised a total of £1,471 in 2024, helping Young Lives vs Cancer continue its life-changing work.
After a successful year, we now look ahead to all that 2025 has in store. With a busy schedule already planned, we are excited to start the year with our auction of Design on 28 January, a preview of the sale is available to view here. This will be followed by the highly anticipated Holkham | The Attic Sale on 11 February. The full catalogue is available to browse online here, and we are confident you will find the offerings just as captivating and inspiring as we do.
Make sure you keep up to date with the 2025 auction calendar here and stay up to date with the latest news over on our blog.
All at Sworders would like to wish our clients, vendors and partners a lovely Christmas and best wishes for the new year. We look forward to welcoming you back in 2025.
All sold prices shown include fees
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Join us as we recap some of the most notable highlights from our 2024 sales and celebrate another successful year.
19 December 2024