Articles

Fairyland Lustre - Daisy Makeig-Jones

By Nic Saintey (2nd May 2012)

Nic Saintey wonders whether Devon Pixies may have had an influence on the Fairyland Lustre designs of Daisy Makeig-Jones, who initially trained at the Torquay School of Art in South Devon before joining Wedgwood in 1909.

Furniture Trends

By Chris Hampton (12th March 2012)

In an era where much is currently made of the decline in prices for 'brown furniture', the British have yet again succeeded in what they do terribly well – that of talking things down. And yet it is not all doom and gloom – indeed far from it. There is strong demand for good English furniture from the 17th to the 20th Centuries. A good example of this was a George III mahogany serpentine fronted serving table measuring 8ft long which sold for £21,000 against a £6,000 - £8,000 estimate.

A Kangxi Wine Ewer

By Nic Saintey (8th March 2012)

Whilst Christian communion involves the acceptance of wine, one can't help feeling more relaxed with the Oriental concept. Chinese porcelain wine ewers, whether in their original Ming or later Kangxi form, are far more than functional objects as they were produced to pay homage to ancestors – a toast to the dead if you like.

Robert O Lenkiewicz (1941-2002): A Private Collection

By Daniel Goddard (12th March 2010)

Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood are offering a private collection of pictures by Robert Lenkiewicz (1941-2002) for auction in Exeter on Saturday, 20th March 2010.

The collection represents an outstanding group of pictures which date from the 1950s to the last few months of the Lenkiewicz's life.

Bearne's and Hampton & Littlewood Merge

By Richard Bearne (2nd January 2009)

Richard Bearne, Chairman of Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood talks about the merger of Bearne's and Hampton & Littlewood to form the largest auction house and valuation business in the West Country.

The Portrait Miniature

By Daniel Goddard (2nd January 2009)

Daniel Goddard, Director and Head of the Picture Department, considers the portrait miniature, from its early origins to the more modern forms of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Troika Pottery

By Nic Saintey (2nd January 2009)

Nic Saintey writes about the Troika Pottery that was formed in St Ives in Cornwall in 1963 by Benny Sirota, Leslie Ilsley and Jan Thompson.

Godolphin House, Cornwall

By Nic Saintey (2nd January 2009)

The Godolphin House Sale was held in July 2008 at our Okehampton Street Salerooms. This article provides a brief history of the house, which is now in the hands of The National Trust.

Antique Wine Bottles

By Nic Saintey (2nd January 2009)

Nic Saintey, the Head of Ceramics and Glass, discusses the history of the wine bottle, which has now become very collectable.

Honiton High Street by Alfred Leyman

By Daniel Goddard (2nd January 2009)

Daniel Goddard, the Head of the Picture Department, discusses the life of the watercolour painter Alfred Leyman (1856-1933), who lived, worked and painted in Devon.