Landwade Hall contents in Cambridgeshire sale

The contents of Landwade Hall, near Newmarket, home of the late Simon Gibson CBE, will go under the hammer at a Cambridgeshire sale later this month.

Comprising of over 150 lots in total, items from Landwade Hall include furniture, artwork and collectibles, with the highlight being a hunting scene, titled ‘November Morning’ by Sir Alfred Munnings, (British 1878-1959), which is estimated to sell for between £30,000 and £50,000.

In addition, the original watercolour for the famous print ‘Once upon a Time’ by Charles ‘Snaffles’ Johnson Payne, (British 1884-1967), is set to sell for £6,000 – £8,000.

There is also a strong contingent of other sporting and animal paintings, with works by artists such as Peter Beigel and J.F Herring all to go under the hammer, including a picture titled ‘Grouse on a moor’ by Archibald Thorburn, (Scottish 1860-1935), which has an estimate of £7,000 – £10,000.

In addition, the sale will see a series of high value furniture lots available, including a pair of 19th-century cabinets, formerly from Exning House, which have an estimate of £3,000 – £5,000.

Simon Gibson was well-known for his philanthropic efforts, and in 1975 established his eponymous charitable trust, The Simon Gibson Charitable Trust. The trust has over the years bequeathed millions of pounds to local and national causes, including the East Anglian Air Ambulance, Ely Cathedral and Addenbrooke’s Hospital, as well as endowing the Gibson Music School at King’s School Ely.

Alongside his charitable efforts, Mr Gibson was a passionate racehorse owner and was known within the racing world for his enthusiasm for the sport. Winning two Group 1 races, the Golden Jubilee Stakes in 2011 at Ascot and the Haydock Sprint Cup in 2012, Society Rock (2007-2016), was Mr Gibson’s most successful horse, who was trained in Newmarket by James Fanshawe at Pegasus Stables.

Mr Gibson, who passed away in May this year, was a founder member of the Newmarket Round Table and was Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire. He was also one of the key parties who provided funding for ‘The Newmarket Stallion,’ the famous statue at the Stetchworth Toll Roundabout near Newmarket’s July Course and unveiled the statue in 2000.

Brett Tryner, Director at Cheffins, commented: “Simon Gibson leaves behind a true legacy of philanthropic efforts and was much-loved locally and by many of the members of the Newmarket horseracing fraternity. This is a fantastic example of a traditional English country house sale, with a wide variety of items, all of which are bound to be of interest for private buyers and collectors. As well as the collection of sporting art on offer, there is also a good selection of quality antique furniture, which was typical of country house style from the late 19th and early 20th century. The sale represents a true opportunity for anyone looking for country house antiques as well as for collectors of sporting and equestrian art.”

Mr Gibson’s wealth was inherited from his great uncle, shipping magnate and philanthropist Sir William Tatem (1868-1942), known also as the 1st Baron Glanely who purchased Landwade Hall in 1938 to complement his recent acquisition of nearby Exning House and Lagrange Stables. Aside from his charitable and business endeavours, Lord Glanely was recognised as one of the leading figures in British flat racing, winning more than 500 races including the 1919 Derby, 1935 Oaks, the St Leger in 1930 and 1937 and the Two Thousand Guineas in 1934. After Lord Glanely’s death in 1942, the tenure of Landwade Hall was passed down to his great-nephew, Simon Gibson.

The Cheffins Fine Sale is on September 29 and 30.