Our latest Country House Sale offered a refined selection of fine furniture, decorative objects and traditional artworks and collectors responded with enthusiasm. From historic Chinese porcelain to signature Yorkshire oak furniture, the auction presented a rich variety of pieces, each full of character and craftsmanship. Below, we take a look at some of the standout results.

Furniture with Presence and Provenance

Furniture was one of the strongest categories in the sale, with early and regional pieces drawing competitive bidding.

The top result came from a superb 18th-century North Italian walnut commode, featuring a parquetry inlay and brass ring handles. Its elegant proportions and fine detailing helped it reach an impressive £4,300 Lot 6484. A true centrepiece for any period interior.

Equally eye-catching was a set of eight oak high lattice back dining chairs by Robert Thompson’s Mouseman workshop, a sought-after name in Yorkshire oak. Well preserved and rich with traditional adzing, the set achieved £4,100 Lot 6277, reaffirming the strong collector demand for Mouseman design.

Joining it was a bold and rustic Gnomeman oak refectory table by Thomas Whittaker of Littlebeck, near Whitby. With its thick adzed top and substantial construction, this practical yet sculptural piece brought £4,000, rounding out a strong showing for handmade English oak.

Above left to right: Lot 6484, Lot 6277 and Lot 6289.

Decorative Objects: Character and Rarity in Every Detail

Among the decorative objects, interest centred on two Chinese porcelain pieces, both remarkable for their craftsmanship and condition.

Leading the section was a Qianlong-period enamel teapot of bombé form, decorated with scenes of scholars at leisure. With its yellow ground and finely detailed motifs, it captivated bidders and achieved £3,900 Lot 6099. Closely following was a Kangxi famille verte dish, vibrantly painted with Laozi and a bowing figure, which sold for £3,200 Lot 6102.

Among the Western highlights was a George III silver campana-form cup and cover, dated 1764 and standing 29cm tall. Despite rubbed maker’s marks, its classical proportions and fine decoration saw it achieve £850 Lot 6000, making it a solid buy for silver collectors seeking early Georgian examples.

 

Above left to right: Lot 6169, Lot 6207 and Lot 6185.

Paintings That Told a Story

The artwork selection offered strong names, decorative appeal and historical depth, all factors that played into buyer confidence on sale day.

At the top end was an 18th-century portrait attributed to Sir Godfrey Kneller, showing a young gentleman in a full-bottomed wig, possibly Philippe II, Duke of Orléans. Classically styled and handsomely framed, it sold for £3,700 Lot 6169.

A tranquil oil by James Webb, titled ‘Near Cadiz’, brought in £2,500 Lot 6207. Known for his coastal and European views, Webb’s work continues to appeal to collectors who appreciate rich light and atmosphere.

More modest in scale but no less personal was a silhouette portrait of Rev. Edward Joseph Coltman, an early 19th-century watercolour that made £1,400 Lot 6185, showing that quiet pieces with historical documentation still draw loyal interest.

 

Above left to right: Lot 6169, Lot 6207 and Lot 6185.

The Country House Sale once again proved that quality, condition and provenance remain at the heart of what buyers value. We were delighted to see strong engagement across all categories, a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional craftsmanship, decorative arts and historical works.

If you’re considering selling similar items, or simply want to learn more about the current market, our specialists are always happy to advise.

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