The Welsh Sale - Auctioneers' Choices

Auctioneer & Valuer Ben Rogers Jones

Lot 51 - Late 18th century oak Welsh dresser

"It is another strong Welsh Sale auction and there are many lots which for me have that Wow! Factor. There is a brilliant selection of paintings by Donald McIntyre – he is such a crowd pleaser. McIntyre would have been 100 years old this year and I wonder what he would have thought of the climb in prices for his work. The McIntyres are the climax of a fabulous picture section which includes most of our favourites, including super examples from Kyffin, Kevin Sinnott, Knapp-Fisher, John Piper, Tunnicliffe and so many more great Welsh artists. However, my choice lot of this Welsh Sale is not a picture on this occasion – it is Lot 51, nestled amongst some interesting Welsh furniture and Welsh antiques.

It is one of the most remarkable Welsh oak dressers I have ever seen – let’s start with the condition; For an item of furniture, that is over 200 years old, the condition is sensational. It is also of small and therefore practical proportions, it has a lovely chestnut colour, it is well joined, and it is not overly decorated or designed which can be the case sometimes – it retains that simple rustic charm. Whichever local cabinet maker built the dresser, all that time ago, they were truly at the top of their game but they did not go ‘dros ben llestri’! The estimate is around £2000, which would have been tripled a few years ago for such a stunner. As the late great DRJ would say ‘it’s a belter’!"

Auctioneer & Valuer Charles Hampshire

Lot 66 – John Speed Map

"What a glorious example of a map of Wales by none other than John Speed. Beautifully detailed and hand coloured, the map boasts twelve vignettes of the principal cities of Wales including Cardiff and Carmarthen. Estimated at £200-300, it represents a wonderful opportunity to own a 17^th century map by one of the premier cartographers of the time. I must say I am very tempted myself."

Auctioneer & Valuer Richard Hughes

Lot 249 - Charles Frederick Tunnicliffe RA watercolour

"My pick is Lot 249, watercolour study of Golden Pheasants by Charles Frederick Tunnicliffe, estimated at £4,000 – 6,000.

I’ve always admired the work of this renowned naturalistic painter, but I really like the subject here – the jewelled male and his not so colourful partner against the backdrop of Autumnal leaves."

Auctioneer & Valuer Philip Keith

Lot 5 - Swansea Dish

"This amazing plate combines four of my favourite antique collecting passions: Swansea porcelain, Baxter painting, Daniel topographical prints and Indian art. This dish is superbly painted with a view of Fort William on the Hooghly, infamous for the death of captured British soldiers and civilians in 1756. With immaculate provenance to boot, this exceedingly rare and historic dish is of Museum quality, and the new owner will be one very lucky person."

Auctioneer & Valuer Stephen Roberts

Lot 27 -

"No radio, no television, so what do you do to delight and amuse if you have guests circa 1795, get the pearlware mug out to see if they can spot the hidden profiles of their Majesties of the day.

These types of wares have always intrigued me because of the simple idea of a profile being able to be applied to all manner of items with such pleasing results.

Move on about 200 years or so and the idea is still being used to create wares to tickle the collectors fancy such as the Kaiser Porcelain limited edition vase for 1977 again to commemorate a royal occasion, this time Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, the profiles actually forming the shape of the item rather than hidden in the decoration.

A rare piece of pearlware which I hope finds a generous collector."