THE COLLECTION OF VICTORIA PRESS

IN LONDON ON 18 NOVEMBER

London – On 18 November 2015, Christie’s London is proud to be offering the former contents of Cheyne Walk, an interior by Victoria Press. Working in the fashion industry in the late 1940s and early 1950s enabled Victoria Press (1927-2015) to hone her love and knowledge of textiles, luxurious materials, intricate workmanship, proportion and scale, passions that are evident in the characterful interior she created at Cheyne Walk. She also studied art, architectural history and interior design, and was an admired member of The Furniture History Society and The Georgian Group. The sale comprises a remarkable trove of approximately 170 lots which were acquired for the impressive Georgian town house, built in 1717. They were sourced predominantly in the 1980s, each chosen to complement, or playfully juxtapose, the surrounding architecture and its historic decorative schemes. The resulting collection is a harmonious and balanced ensemble comprising English and Continental furniture, Italian Old Master paintings and Oriental works of art including lacquer, ceramics and textiles. Victoria Press had a particular interest in the English country house and many pieces in her collection have a distinguished provenance and were acquired from important auctions such as Much Hadham Hall and Godmersham Park, or from eminent collectors such as the Duke of Buccleuch and Sybil Sassoon, 5^th Marchioness of Cholmondeley. The top lot of the sale is a pair of paintings formerly at West Wycombe Park by Cesare Dandini (1596-1657) depicting Saint Dorothy of Cappadocia and Saint Catherine of Alexandria (estimate: £150,000-250,000) followed by Victoria Press’ beloved picture by Salvador Rosa, Phryne and Xenocrates (estimate: £60,000-80,000), which was acquired in 1997, demonstrating that her passion for collecting and improving the interior of Cheyne Walk continued to occupy her to the very end of her life. Estimates range from £500 to £250,000.

This sale is a wonderful opportunity for new and established collectors to choose from an inspiring array of works with notable provenance, collected with passion, knowledge and confidence. Each item was specially chosen for its history and craftsmanship, with a specific position within Cheyne Walk in mind; the resulting collection is a testament to Victoria Press’ discerning eye and very original flair for interior design. 

Please click here for Christie’s news feature on the collection.

AUCTION

Wednesday 18 November 2015

10:30am

8 King Street, St. James’s

London SW1Y 6QT

About Christie’s

Christie’s, the world's leading art business, had global auction and private sales in 2014 that totalled £5.1 billion / $8.4 billion, making it the highest annual total in Christie’s history. Christie’s is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as international glamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's has since conducted the greatest and most celebrated auctions through the centuries providing a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christie’s offers around 450 auctions annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $100 million. Christie's also has a long and successful history conducting private sales for its clients in all categories, with emphasis on Post-War & Contemporary, Impressionist & Modern, Old Masters and Jewellery. Private sales totalled £916.1 million ($1.5 billion).

Christie’s has a global presence with 53 offices in 32 countries and 12 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zürich, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Mumbai. More recently, Christie’s has led the market with expanded initiatives in growth markets such as Russia, China, India and the United Arab Emirates, with successful sales and exhibitions in Beijing, New Delhi, Mumbai and Dubai.

PRESS CONTACT: Katie Carder | +44 (0) 207 389 2283| kcarder@christies.com

Please click here for the complete eCatalogue  

Estimates do not include buyer’s premium. Sales totals are hammer price plus buyer’s premium and do not reflect costs, financing fees or application of buyer’s or seller’s credits.

Visit Christie’s Website at www.christies.com