TEFAF Maastricht 2019: The Verdict

We have just returned from an extremely busy and exciting show at TEFAF Maastricht. This years 2019 proved to be strong as ever.

TEFAF Maastricht, the worlds leading art Fair, continues to act as a beacon for the art market, welcoming around 70,000 visitors during the course of the Fair.

This year 276 exhibitors, of which 38 were new to the fair, show 7,000 years of art history across categories that cover fine art, antiques, jewellery and design.

A Fine George III Bread Basket. Made in London, 1817 by Paul Storr for the Duke of Northumberland.

Interest in decorative arts & antiques were strong. There were substantial sales in early 19th century objects, particularly by Paul Storr including a rare basket (above) and a magnificent set of candlesticks (below).

A Set of Four George III Candlesticks. Made in London, 1808 by Paul Storr for Sir Henry Mainwaring, 1st Baronet of Over Peover.

Other noteworthy sales in 19th century silver also included this important and rare set of eight silver-gilt coasters (below). They bear the crest of Charles-Talbot, 2nd Earl Talbot.

A Set of Eight George III Silver-Gilt Coasters. Made in London in 1817 by William Burwash for Charles-Talbot, 2nd Earl Talbot

Interest in silver from this period was further enhanced with one of the fair highlights; The Shield of Achilles (below). Known as one of, if not, the most important silver-gilt objects to made in the 19th century, the shield attracted many visitors and museum curators alike. As part of the official TEFAF tour this silver-gilt masterpiece was viewed by thousands of people and gained much publicity.

The Shield of Achilles. A Highly Important George IV Shield for The King of Hanover. Made in London, 1823 by Philip Rundell

Important Rococo silversmiths were also incredibly sought after. Names like Paul de Lamerie and Eliza Godfrey have always been placed at the top of their category. This year we were fortunate enough to display and sell numerous objects by Paul de Lamerie. A rare pair of George II candelabra by Eliza Godfrey (below) also sold amongst other treasures from the Rococo period.

A Pair of George II Candelabra. Made in London, 1751 by Eliza Godfrey for William, 5th Earl of Dumfries

Within decorative arts, the objects of vertu gained much appreciation too. Austrian rock crystal, agate, gold and enamel objects that form part of the ‘kunstkammer’ collecting proved popular with visitors. Amongst our display of treasures were two of our highlights, both of which sold at the fair. (See below)

An Extremely Large Austrian Silver-gilt, Enamel & Gem-set New. Made in Vienna, circa 1890 by Hermann Bohm

A Fine Austrian Silver-gilt, Rock Crystal & Gem-set Conucopia. Made in Vienna, circa 1890 by Hermann Bohm

Our next event will be held in London at the Masterpiece fair in the grounds of Chelsea Hospital which opens for preview on 26th June and then runs from 27th June to 3rd July.

The Charles Mercer Ewer: A Gift From The King

Sir James Mercer, whose London house was in Axe Yard, Westminster (where Samuel Pepys lived between August 1658 and July 1660), was appointed Gentleman usher to Charles II in January 1661. Gentlemen Ushers originally formed three classes: Gentlemen Ushers of the Privy Chamber, Gentlemen Ushers Daily Waiters, and Gentlemen Ushers Quarterly Waiters. The number of ordinary ushers of these classes were fixed at four, four, and eight, respectively, but ushers “in extraordinary” were sometimes appointed. Mercer was a Gentleman Usher Daily Waiter.

John Michael Wright’s portrait of King Charles II, in the Royal Collection

Legend has it that ondemned one of his grooms to be hanged for stealing a bowl of corn. The man was hanged on an old tree and with his dying breath, uttered the curse that the Mercers would have no male heirs for 19 generations. Sir James’ son Charles, godson to the king, was born and died in 1667. His sister Jean became heir to her father in 1672 but died the same year. Her sister Grizell became heir but died unmarried in 1706. Another sister, Helen, then became heir and married a cousin, Sir Laurence Mercer of Melginche. Their son James Mercer, became heir upon his mother’s death in 1720, but died the same year. His sister Jean became heiress and married Robert Murray Nairne. He was killed at the battle of Culloden as Colonel Mercer, having adopted the name. Their son, James Mercer of Aldie, became heir in 1750 but died unmarried in 1758. His brother William became heir in 1759 but he and his wife Margaret had no sons. Their daughter Jane became heir and married George Elphinstone, Viscount Keith, and they had a daughter Margaret Mercer Elphinstone, Baroness Keith and Nairne, who married Auguste Charles Joseph, Conte de Flahaut, and they only had daughters. Their daughter Emily Jane married Henry, the 4^thMarquess of Lansdowne, who took the name Mercer Nairne and they had a son, the 5^th Marquess of Lansdown, so the curse was finally broken.

Engraving of the Coat of Arms of Mercer impaling Stewart for Sir James Mercer

His only son Charles was christened in June 1667 in the presence of his godfather, the king, whose gift of 80 ounces of gilt plate to mark the event is recorded in the Jewel Office warrant books in the National Archives. Writing afterwards to his father-in-law, Mercer recalled that “His Majesty on the occasion was very jovial, without any sort of drinking”. This elegant ewer was part of that royal gift.

The ewer on pedestal foot, the body engraved with a coat-of-arms within a plume cartouche above cut-card trefoils, hard-shaped handle. Silver-gilt, London circa 1667. Maker’s mark “HW”, an escallop below for Henry Welch.

The same maker’s mark has been recorded on an otherwise unmarked Charles II silver two-handled porringer and cover of about 1670, engraved with the arms of Ralph Cotton of Bellaport, co. Salop and Newcastle-under-Lyme, which was sold at Sotheby’s, London, on 24 March 1960, lot 40.

 

 

MASTERPIECE London: ‘The Unmissable Art Fair’

Coined ‘The Unmissable Art Fair’; With 160 International exhibitors of art, design, furniture,  jewellery and antiquities Masterpiece London really is one of the most prestigious art fairs in the world. Sat in the grounds of The Royal Hospital Chelsea, dealers from around the world bring the best of the best covering more than 6000 years of art and history. This year 31 newcomers increased the size of this ever-expanding fair by 15%.

While early items were well sought after, decorative silver proved to be particularly strong for us with names like Paul Storr, Benjamin Smith and Garrard receiving much interest. Here are some of our highlights:

A Highly Important Set of Six George I Royal Candlesticks made in London, 1718 by Nicholas Clausen

This rare set of six candlesticks made for King George I sold for a significant six figure sum on the opening night. They each bear the Royal coat-of-arms.

 

The Baring Warwick Vase made in London, 1814 by Paul Storr

This exceptional George III silver-gilt Warwick vase also sold at the fair to a private collector. Bearing the coat-of-arms of the Baring family, It was made for Sir Thomas Baring, 2nd Baronet, who was the eldest son of Francis Baring, founder of  Barings Bank.

 

A Victorian Peridot & Diamond Heart Cluster Pendant

Sales in jewellery and gold boxes were also buoyant. Demand for the highest quality is certainly ever-present.

We look forward to seeing our clients and friends at our next upcoming fairs later this year in Hong Kong and New York. Please see our events page for more details.

 

Bullish: TEFAF Maastricht

We have just returned from an extremely busy and exciting show at TEFAF Maastricht. This years 2018 proved to be one of the best ever.

The 70,000 plus visitors that came this year were once more wowed by the amazing exhibits to be seen and keen to have them as additions to their collection. Dealers, collectors, curators and institutions were all there in force.

A Set of Four George II Candlesticks. London, 1745 by Paul Crespin. Designed by William Kent

This superb set of four candlesticks made for Henry Fiennes Pelham-Clinton the 2nd Duke of Newcastle-under-Lyme sold for a significant six figure sum. A comparable but later set of candlesticks can be found at the V & A and Metropolitan museums.

An Exceptional George III Ambassadorial Mirror Plateau. London, 1806 by Digby Scott & Benjamin Smith. 

In addition a Royal ambassadorial mirror plateau made for Charles William, 1st Baron Stuart was also sold. This plateau, bearing both the arms of Stuart and the Royal arms of King George III was supplied by the Jewel House for our new ambassador serving in Vienna.

Buying was strong internationally and sales of gold boxes and jewellery were also to be noted.

Our next event will be held in London at the masterpiece fair in the grounds of Chelsea Hospital which opens for preview on 27th June and then runs from 28th June to 4th July.