London – Christie’s announces the sale of Apter-Fredericks: 75 Years of Important English Furniture taking place live on 19 January 2021 at Christie’s King Street.  The sale, which comprises 140 lots, encompasses English furniture and works of art from distinguished provenances such as Spencer House, Langley Park and Cliveden. Works include pieces by the foremost craftsmen and designers of the 18^th and 19^th centuries including Chippendale, Ince & Mayhew, Linnell, Gomm, Lock, Cobb, Bullock and Gillows, as well as a selection of Chinese works of art.

Internationally renowned for the superlative quality, condition and provenance of their pieces, Apter-Fredericks remains an industry byword for the very finest furniture and works of art, a reputation which has been built by three generations of the family over the last 75 years. Dealing from their prestigious showroom located on London’s Fulham Road, Apter-Fredericks have welcomed clients from all over the world who have valued their expertise, discretion and ability to seek out works of art of the highest calibre, not only for private collections but also for museums and institutions globally.

Harry and Guy Apter comment, ‘For 75 years Apter-Fredericks have enjoyed dealing in the finest furniture, welcoming clients, old and new, to our Chelsea showroom and placing wonderful pieces in their homes, as well as occasionally in museums. After 40 years in the business, a new world and a new way of working has developed and it has become clear to us both that we no longer want or need a showroom in central London to continue to thrive and do business successfully. We see a future where we hold less stock and are able to spend more time both in the pursuit of masterpieces and visiting our clients.

The furniture and various decorative objects included in this sale are a fair reflection of the breadth and quality of items we have had so much pleasure in handling over the years. Amongst them are the highly important, like the Leinster House cabinets (estimate £40,000-60,000), to the highly functional, like the dining-tables for which we are so well known, including the Westport House table (estimate £50,000-80,000).’

Each item in the sale was bought on merit and with the passion of an antiques dealer. We hope their new owners will gain as much enjoyment from the pieces as we did. Should any of their successful buyers want to let us know, we would be delighted to hear from them – as seeing our pieces in their new homes is one of the highlights of this business and something which we look forward to continuing to see and enjoy for many years to come’.

Amelia Walker, Specialist Head of Private & Iconic Collections and Co-Head of Sale comments, ‘The name Apter-Fredericks has long been synonymous with impeccable quality, condition and distinguished provenance and the works of art offered here all fall under at least two or all three of these categories. Christie’s is honoured to be marking the end of an era - the closure of their eponymous Chelsea showroom - with this collection sale.’

Robert Copley, International Specialist Head of Furniture and Deputy Chairman, Christie’s UK comments, ‘The Apters have been a major force in the English furniture market for the entirety of my career at Christie’s, spanning the last four decades; they know their market, are extremely selective in their acquisitions and justifiably have a reputation which is second to none.’

Collection Highlights: The Harry Apter Edit

A George III carved giltwood side table, circa 1745 (estimate £15,000-25,000). I have enjoyed looking at this table for many years whilst it sat in a client’s apartment. When they decided to sell it I was only too thrilled to acquire it.

A Chinese painted wallpaper six-panel screen, The Wallpaper Qing Dynasty, circa 1800, later mounted (estimate £10,000-15,000). This came from a house in California and was amongst a parcel of goods we acquired a few years ago. We had been sent photos of the contents and we did not originally list this as a piece to acquire. However, upon walking into the house and seeing it suspended on the wall, its vibrancy shone out and upon close examination, its remarkable condition made it a must have.

A George II mahogany breakfront library bookcase, circa 1750 (estimate £50,000-80,000). It is always a thrill being able to handle a piece of furniture which can be traced back to its original owner. Not only can we do this with the bookcase, but we also have images of the bookcase in situ at Langley Park prior to the dispersal of contents from the house. This is an iconic example of great mid-18^th century English furniture of the highest quality.

A George II fustic and satinwood sofa, circa 1758-65 (estimate £80,000 –120,000). This piece came directly from the original family and with a full provenance back to its origin. This sofa is one of the remarkable items I have handled. The main wood is satinwood which we had not realized until we removed the arms and the orange/yellow timber of the satinwood revealed itself to our great delight.

A pair of George I gilt-gesso girandoles, circa 1720 (estimate £25,000-40,000). These mirrors have a gracefulness about them as the carving is created from the gesso, rather than the wood as in later examples. Combined with the candle arms it illustrates how life in early 18^th century England was lived.

Collection Highlights: The Guy Apter Edit

A Regency mahogany circular extending dining-table, circa 1815 (estimate £20,000-40,000). This table is a rarity and from our private collection, it is on the market for the first time in over 40 years.

A George II mahogany open armchair, circa 1750 (estimate £6,000- 10,000). This is a true antique connoisseur’s chair. It comes with a little bit of history as not only had we handled it before, selling it at The Grosvenor House Art & Antiques Fair in 2003, but it had appeared there in 1954. With the chair comes a letter from the dealer at the time, describing it as ‘an extremely fine specimen of design, craftsmanship and preservation’.

A Regency Blue John Campana vase (estimate £12,000-18,000). Blue John or Derbyshire Fluor Spar is brittle and very difficult to work so it is a major achievement to make a vase like this and for it to survive.  My admiration for the artisans responsible is very much a part of my appreciation of these pieces. Position this vase close to a window and the light will bring the striations and colours in the stone to life, making it a piece of great beauty.

A Victorian burr-walnut and tulipwood-banded kidney-shaped desk (estimate £15,000-25,000). I have a soft spot for these desks - I recall being thirteen when I accompanied my father on a buying trip to Scotland where we purchased a kidney desk. I was allowed to keep that desk as reward for passing my common entrance exams and I still have that same desk 43 years later. It has been used in every room of our house at some point and it is piece that I will never part with it.

Estimates range from £500 - £250,000. An exhibition and viewing for the sale will take place at Christie’s, King Street from 13 January – 18 January.

The exhibition, viewing and live sale will be taking place under socially distanced regulations, strictly adhering to government guidelines.

To view highlights in the sale please click here

To follow the sale live on 19 January via christies.com please click here