Patrick Moorhead sale at Christie’s
Christie’s is to present Patrick Moorhead: Hidden Treasures an online sale comprising 124 lots of furniture and works of art from the respected Brighton based antiques dealer.
Moorhead has curated this sale working closely with Christie’s experts, presenting an eclectic mix of objects and styles representing his distinctive global collecting approach, encompassing works of art from Regency furniture to Chinese ceramics, French clocks to lighting.
Patrick grew up surrounded by antiques from a very early age, working with his parents at a time when the narrow streets at the heart of the old town of Brighton, known as The Lanes, were home to many family owned antique shops. He built his business from one shop to three, and now operates from a vast warehouse converted from a Victorian army drill hall.
Whilst selling exclusively to the trade for a number of years, Patrick has more recently opened the doors to collectors and interior decorators as well as international private clients. The scale of the warehouse and the array of works on offer gives a true sense of discovery to all those who visit, and this has fostered an international reputation, keeping the spirit of antique dealing very much alive in Brighton.
Patrick Moorhead commented: “I very much enjoyed putting this selection together for the auction. Buying and selling is in my blood and I cannot live without the thrill of the hunt so I am not planning on retiring anytime soon. I 
hope that the auction portrays some of the excitement I feel every day for making discoveries and unearthing hidden treasures, and that Christie’s clients will share this enthusiasm for the lots on offer.”
He continued: “I have worked with Christie’s for almost forty years whether it be buying or selling. In many ways an antique dealer and an auction house are vying for the same objective – sourcing the very best pieces to sell. My intention for this sale is not only to showcase the breadth of my business, but also objects that are important to me. Looking at the sale lots I am also recounting the history of Brighton as well as my background as a dealer. As a tribute to my father, I have included a group of oil lamps with pretty glass shades like ones he began dealing in, a group of eight Victorian clear and frosted glass oil lamps. Also included are examples of Chinese ceramics like those at the Brighton Royal Pavilion, such as a magnificent pair of Kangxi ‘soldier’ vases, alongside Georgian and Regency furniture of the type I could never have afforded when I started out, such as a George III mahogany breakfront bookcase, attributed to Mayhew and Ince. In this way the auction is a microcosm of my career over forty years.”
Giles Forster, Director, Decorative Arts and Head of Sale commented: “Patrick’s taste as a dealer is truly eclectic, honed from many years of experience, both buying and selling. He has a sixth sense for quality, knowing what is a good example instinctively by its look and feel. We share an appreciation for statement pieces with a colourful aesthetic such as bright Japanese ceramics, opulent furniture and Meissen porcelain, such as two Meissen porcelain parrots. At this time when we are all spending more time in our homes, there is a greater desire than ever to elevate our surroundings, to enhance our interiors with beautiful works, and this sale offers the ideal opportunity to do this in abundance.”
Estimates range from £1,000 to £120,000 and the sale is expected to realise in the region of £1,000,000.