One of Holly’s specialisms is English Arts and Crafts, and she regularly works to supply clients with pieces by Edward Barnsley, Gordon Russell, William Morris, Peter Waals and Ernest Gimson.
What’s selling well in the Arts and Crafts arena at the moment?
Pieces from what is termed ‘The Cotswold School’. This encompasses pieces of furniture produced from the 1920’s up until 1950. Also Needlework by May Morris, (the daughter of William Morris) and lighting and metal ware produced by W.A.S Benison
The earlier items, produced from 1860 onwards were a lot more decorative in that they featured more inlay, gilt highlights, more bronze and brass mounts and often set with painted panels. Made by the likes of Charles Bevan, Phillip Webb, Lamb of Manchester, C.R Ashbee, etc. Often these pieces were commissioned for Great Exhibitions or large country homes.
The later pieces, from the 1910’s onwards, are much simpler in design and less fussy in their decoration but the same traditional techniques apply, so they exhibit very high-quality craftsmanship using very good timbers.
There is a definite rise in interest in the later arts and crafts pieces by the likes of Earnest Gimson, Peter Waals, Gordon Russell and Edward Barnsley. This was a development in the arts and crafts movement termed the ‘Cotswold School’. Today this area is collected by wealthy clients, including some celebrities who own country homes in the Cotswolds.
What tips do you have for buying at the moment?
Go to a good dealer that specialises in that period. I would advise prospective buyers to speak to BADA or LAPADA who will advise on which dealers specialise in the arts and crafts period.
What kind of price range can the buyer expect?
The price range greatly depends on the object. We currently have a range of highly sought-after furniture and works of art, such as this Peter Waals Cuban Mahogany and Ebony book case, England, circa 1934, priced at £25,000. If you’re looking for something more decorative, we have a Charlotte Rhead pottery vase decorated with flowers, England circa 1920, for £750.
Have you had any stand-out sales to notable homes/people of late?
We have recently sold a Peter Waals long desk of usual proportions to an important American collector whose name I cannot reveal.
