| Lots and lots at Oxford Mallams Sale 25th June 2008 |
This most recent venture for Mallams Oxford comprised 450 lots. The first part of the sale was consigned by the Executors of the Estate of the world renowned architectural historian Sir Howard Colvin, himself a regular visitor to Bocardo House. A busy viewing period and full-to-capacity saleroom for the auction itself ensured that bidding was strong on all the lots many of which naturally bore a strong architectural theme. Of particular interest was lot 75, an early 18th Century white marble full height figure of Diana by Antonio Gai (1686-1769). This had been a gift to Sir Howard from members of the Harpur-Crewe family following his successful campaign to save their family home, Calke Abbey, and its’ contents for the nation in the 1980’s. Standing 5ft 5” high overall the figure had suffered some damage over the years and indeed the head had been completely broken and re-stuck. Nevertheless fierce competition in the room together with a bank of determined telephone bidders quickly took the hammer price way past the original pre-sale estimate of £2,500-£4,000 to £7,000. Other particularly exciting results included £11,000 for lot 66, a Romano-Greek carved stone Acroterion in the form of a mask (est £1,200-£1,500) and £2,900 for lot 93, a copper lustre ware vase by William de Morgan. |