George III commodes crown sale

October 18, 2022 admin Bonhams, furniture, Georgian furniture

An important pair of George III commodes achieved an impressive £63,300 at Bonhams’ recent sale of The Contents of Kinsham Court, Herefordshire.

Kinsham Court was said to once have been the residence of the family of Florence Nightingale, and also of Lord Byron – who is thought to have worked on Childe Harold whilst residing there.

It was bought by John Arkwright in 1911. John “Jack” Arkwright was the grandson of Richard Arkwright – who invented the Spinning Jenny, which revolutionised the manufacture of cotton, helping to make Richard Arkwright ‘the richest commoner in Europe’.

Late 17th-century walnut, fruitwood and oyster veneered chest on stand — The late 17th-century walnut, fruitwood and oyster veneered chest on stand

By 1870, Jack Arkwright was the largest landowner in Herefordshire. However, the family soon fell upon hard times, and were forced to sell Hampton Court Castle – later taking up residence at the more manageable Kinsham Court, which Jack Arkwright had purchased prior to the sale.

David Arkwright, the last surviving member of the direct family line, died in 1985. The house passed to his cousin, and thence by decent to the current owner.

The George II carved giltwood and gesso Gainsborough type armchair

Charlie Thomas, UK Group Director of Private Collections & Furniture, commented: “We’re delighted with the results of today’s sale, which offered such an array of wonderful items – all of which encapsulated a real sense of history. None of pieces in the sale, some of which dated back to the founder of the Arkwright dynasty himself, had ever been offered on the open market before – and so it is no wonder bidders were so excited.”

Highlights of the sale included:

Sarah Stone (British, circa 1760-1844), A Cock of the Rock (Rupicola rupicola). Sold for £19,125.
A late 17th century walnut, fruitwood and oyster veneered chest on stand. Sold for £21,675.
A George II carved giltwood and gesso Gainsborough type armchair. Possibly attributable to Paul Saunders (British, 1722-1771). Sold for £21,675.
Maud Earl (British, 1863-1943), “White Light (No 2)” – a pointer catching the scent. Sold for £20,400.
A fine Flemish historical tapestry fragment. Probably mid-17th century. Sold for £16,575.

The 196-lot sale made a total of £692,273 with 97% sold by lot and 100% sold by value.