Posted on: 30 May 2023

Auction Results: May 2023

A rare and unique ring won the hearts of bidders at our May Fine Art & Antique auction.  Lot 160 , a mid 20th century certified colour change sapphire cluster ring, attracted bidding from around the world, eventually selling for £4,200 plus buyer’s premium. 

Lot 160 , a mid 20th century certified colour change sapphire cluster ring

Speaking after the sale, jewellery valuer Amelia Tomkinson said, “not only is this a beautiful cluster ring, but there is also the added excitement that comes with a colour change sapphire.  This is a rare gemstone from Sri Lanka which owes its unique properties to the unusual the trace elements found within the stone.  These elements cause the oval cut sapphire to change from a rich blue in daylight to a stunning purple in incandescent light”. 

Lot 758, a 19th century Victorian club armchair by Howard & Sons

Also sitting pretty at the auction was Lot 758, a 19th century Victorian club armchair by Howard & Sons, which caused a stir among bidders on the phone, online and in the room.  “Howard & Sons are the gold standard of 19th century British furniture makers, and their pieces are highly prized as a result” commented furniture specialist Ian Woodward.  “Howard pieces offer a great combination of quality, style and comfort which appeals to furniture buyers today just as much as it did to the Victorians”.  After a fierce bidding battle, the chair sold for £3,600 plus buyer’s premium.

There were strong results in the art section too, with a single owner collection of works by Charles Frederick Tunnicliffe R.A. (British, 1901-1979) selling out.  “Tunnicliffe is one of Britain’s best loved artists, and this wonderful collection showcased his amazing skill across several mediums” said art valuer Simon Grover. 

Lot 262, Charles Frederick Tunnicliffe R.A. (British, 1901-1979), etching titled “Fruit Of The Tree”

“It was also pleasing to see that alongside more traditional Tunnicliffe works like Lot 265, an etching titled “Mowing Bullocks Meadow” which sold for £900 plus buyer’s premium, his figurative works like Lot 262, an etching titled “Fruit Of The Tree” depicting Adam and Eve, sold for the same price”.  The collection was sought after by numerous collectors, and sold for a total of £7,260 plus buyer’s premium.

“It was lovely to see our May auction attract so much interest” commented managing partner Christina Trevanion.  “Our June sale promises to be even more exciting, as we’re delighted to be offering the contents of a single estate, more details of the auction will come very soon”.

If you have pieces you are looking at selling or are curious to find out what your items could be worth, you can book a free no obligation auction valuation appointment on 01948 800 202 or info@trevanion.com.