Auction carves a sense of theatre

Farnon & Lake, a new bespoke auctioneering company that aims to bring a sense of theatricality to the saleroom, is staging its first auction next month in Aynhoe Park, the home of multi-millionaire dance party entrepreneur James Perkins.

Entitled The Sculpture Auction, the sale will feature over 160 sculptural works of art by more than 21 different artists, including Marie Ackers, Philip Blacker, Wesley Neal and Priscilla Hann.

One lot that is expected to attract considerable interest is a sculpture of William Webb Ellis, widely regarded as the inventor of rugby football, by Graham Ibbeson. This is the original casting of the work sited outside Rugby public school, and will be sold with the sole rights to produce copies in any form, quantity and size thereafter, allowing the successful bidder to reproduce this iconic work, which is depicted as an etching on the Rugby World Cup – aptly named the Webb Ellis Cup.

Describing Farnon & Lake’s ambitions, James Kendling commented, “We are seeking to turn the traditional idea of auctions on its head, making them an event to genuinely get excited about. We’re not just talking about the pieces being sold but also the stories behind each one, where the event takes place and how every piece is presented offering exceptional investments in the most unusual and engaging way.”

The auction will take place on October 5.