When my sister phoned yesterday to ask if I had seen the upcoming auctions at Doyle, I suspected they must be particularly interesting. But after quickly perusing the offerings online, my heart leapt. This Wednesday, under the umbrella of the Important English & Continental Furniture & Decorations/Old Master Paintings category, are two remarkable auctions.
It is always exciting when an auction represents a totally identifiable collection of a single owner; it is even more compelling, to both dealers and collectors alike, when the collection represents quality property that is utterly fresh to the market. Both of these auctions contain items that have not been in the marketplace for decades.
I spoke with Sebastian Clarke, V.P., Director, English & Continental Furniture at Doyle to get the inside scoop on these very special upcoming events. It was immediately apparent that Doyle is just as excited to be presenting these collections as I was to discover them. Clarke described the Joseph Patrick auction as the quintessential quality estate. There has been quite a buzz circulating about it and Doyle has already entertained a number of potential customers for private previews.
Joseph Patrick founded Baird, Patrick & Co. in 1950 as an investment banking company. It grew to be full service investment firm, and is one of the oldest securities firm in the country. He also devoted himself to buying fine English and European furniture and paintings, primarily in the 1950’s and 1960’s, from only the best dealers and auction houses. He had a fabulous eye and each piece is representative of a fantastic example in its particular category, with wonderful form and great quality. When he died, at almost 101, Patrick had amassed a spectacular compilation of first rate pieces. Clarke says when he visited the 16 acre Georgian estate in Old Westbury, it was one “oh my” moment after another as he wandered from room to room viewing the treasures. The auction features almost seventy lots of English and Continental furniture and decorations and Old Master paintings.
I asked Clarke if he would single out a notable item that he found particularly appealing.
Clarke chose this superb Louis XVI tric-trac table, circa 1780, which I had also noted. Made of gilt-bronze mounted ebony, satinwood, tulipwood, mahogany and amaranth, with square tapering faux fluted legs, its rectangular leather inset reversible top opens to reveal a gaming surface above an opposing drawer. Although a bit hard to discern in this photo, as part of the line inlay is a very rare wood – snakewood – which looks like alligator or snakeskin. It even has the original gilt bronze candle inserts which enabled players to see their moves in the evening. With such incredible details, there have been rumblings about the possibility of its being a John Linnell piece, an 18th century English cabinetmaker (not unlike Chippendale or Adams). This would be truly amazing since Clarke has never heard of a tric-trac table of British origin. With an estimate of $3,000 – $5,000, this table is sure to go quickly.
The featured items in the auction are a pair of important mid 18th century George II mahogany library armchairs, with a regal provenance. They are stamped Gibside — the country etate that was once owned by the prominent Bowes-Lyon family, ancestors of the late Queen Mother. The chairs, upholstered with colorful tapestry and beautiful acanthus carved armrests, are similar to a clothes press bought around the same time by the original owner, Lady Bowe, which is now at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
I also love this magnificent George III colorless cut glass sixteen-light chandelier. At 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide, this would certainly make a major statement in any room!
I love the title of this second auction – it’s so very dapper and alluring. This represents the collection of a gentleman who lived in NYC. The look of the collection is much more continental as opposed to the more English focus of the Patrick estate. It is eclectic with a fantastic look and decorative appeal, incorporating pieces from 17th century Italian baroque through French neoclassical. Clarke emphasized that this auction featured many items, such as these wonderful painted daybeds, in the style of Louis XV and XVI, which, while not whole heartedly period, are wonderfully decorative and could work in any number of settings.
Or this pair of regency style limed wood convex mirrors. With an estimate of $800-1,200, they are less than many much more commercial items in the marketplace.
I asked Clarke about what seem to be extremely reasonable estimates for these auctions. He mentioned that when competing for these estates against the other larger New York auction houses, Doyle didn’t actually offer the highest prices. They pride themselves on assigning realistic estimates that clearly these consigners appreciated. Another consideration is that Doyle is very nimble and able to incorporate the more decorative items in with the important furniture, giving customers an accurate idea of how well everything can work together.
I highly recommend taking a look at these catalogues online. There are many fabulous items that would add an air of authenticity and touch of gravitas to any stylish interior.
The auction is Wednesday January 26th at 10am
Exhibition
Saturday, January 22, 10am-5pm
Sunday, January 23, Noon-5pm
Monday, January 24, 10am-6pm
Tuesday, January 25, 10am-2pm
175 East 87th Street, New York, NY
It seems to me that there is an incredible wealth of “fresh goods” on the auction block these day. I know life runs in cycles so I guess we are at that point where treasures that have never, or very long ago, seen by the public.
I am going to be eagerly anticipating what the tric-trac table finally goes for. It is just beautiful.
Hi Jane – Yes, true and this is especially unusual because these 2 auctions represent “fresh goods” that are from single collections where almost every piece can be identified. Isn’t the tric-trac table amazing? And the price is truly amazing.
Wow those mirrors are wonderful and at those prices – although I’m sure they will go for more. And I’d love those day beds!
MDS – I thought the pricing was incredible as well. Well – you could have those daybeds – you know you can bid online!
the chandeliers are to die for! happy weekend :)
Hi Ludmila – Isn’t the chandelier incredible?! Just an amazing piece! Have a lovely weekend.
I’m back :-) A lot of interesting posts since my last time here. I’ve had alpine daydreams too. Skiing is so beautiful. Can’t wait to go againg. Have a great weekend! Hug
Maria
Hi Maria – nice to see you back. Feel free to scroll back! Hope you’ll be posting photos of your glorious holiday!
I love the Doyle auctions they’re coming right up in the ranks to give Christie’s and Sotheby’s a run for their money. I love those sconces!
AO – Totally agree – Doyle is still family owned and has a much more approachable venue than the big 2. Their at home auctions are fabulous!! And aren’t those sconces just fabulous?!
it’s the chinoiserie secretary I’m bidding on..fabulous…
I agree, we’ll be seeing a lot more “fresh” pieces coming to market that haven’t been seen for a long time …
have a great weekend, Q…
maureen
Maureen – isn’t it spectacular?! Have a great weekend.
With the economy picking up, I believe that this Doyle auction will see bid points far above their estimates. The daybeds and Regency-style mirrors seem to be listed at a low pre-sale estimates. This is one auction I will hate missing. Thanks for highlighting it.
Mary – I totally agree. The estimates are so reasonable and there are so many usable pieces.
OMG, Q…this is going to be awesome, isn’t it? I love love love the black chinoiserie piece. The anticipated prices seem a bit low to me, as well. Have a lovely, wonderful, fun weekend, my dear one. xx’s
Hi Marsha – I know isn’t it fabulous?! So many fabulous pieces, many with established provenances. So many great buys…
Ms. Quintessence of Style!
Thank you for sharing! I love antiques and actually used to import Swedish antiques for a while (think gray 18th c.).
Some extraordinary pieces I can see. I will browse the catalog for sure but right now I wish I actually lived in NY! Nothing beats the real auction house experience.
All my antiques so far are European. I hope to soon be a happy owner of something from the US. The regency style mirrors are beautiful.
Happy weekend to you!
Mon
Hi Monika – I think you’ll love looking through the catalogue and although I agree that nothing beats being at the actual auction, I have purchased items by bidding online and they even now have live online bidding!
You are making me miss NY.
Hi Kayce – As I mentioned to another out of towner, you can always bid online!! I’ve done it many times and I live within a train ride!! You can write to ask questions of any sort – condition, size etc. – Doyle is always wonderfully responsive!
Those last two federal style mirrors just made my heart skip a beat…love the Gustavian look with the lyme white wash!
Zhush – Aren’t they beautiful? And there’s so much more – much of it reasonable!
Oh, the japanned piece is wonderful!
I love that piece as well – and it’s estimate is $6,000 -8,000. While not cheap, I find that incredibly reasonable for a beautiful period piece (George II).
I love shopping at auctions like this…thank you for the tip! Those day beds are exquisite!!
SM – Aren’t the day beds fabulous? I think they could go almost anywhere! They remind me of Suzanne Rheinstein’s NY apt.
Such gorgeous pieces! And their history makes them all the more beautiful.
Hi Connie – of course you know I agree – the history adds another dimension.
Wow, isn’t the Louis XIV table something? I can see it as gorgeous big office table..of course I would add bright pink peonies on it too just for fun. Everybody should own at list one antique piece of furniture and something like this would be my choice. xoxo
Hi Anna – I agree – a piece of furniture with history like this beautiful table can anchor a room and mixes well with whatever else you add!
Several of these pieces would be ideal in my apt. Thank you for sharing and for the interesting background information. I went to their site after reading your post and the online catalogue is amazing. I’ll let you know if I’m successful!! Have a great weekend!!
Hi Elle – Oh please do report back – will be dying to hear what you get!
That chandalier is stunning!
Hi Katie – That chandelier is one of my favorite pieces – truly spectacular!
A tric trac table is a useful piece that is easy to incorporate into a furniture plan. I predict a hammer price higher than the estimate.
TDC – Agree on both!!
That black chinoiserie secretary!! Swoon.