I have been contacted by Christies, London & made aware of this fascinating Royal sale taking place on 13 December 2019 at Christie's, London. This blog will cover some of the highlights. Enjoy.
London – Christie’s sale on 13 December, titled Property from Descendants of Their Majesties King George V & Queen Mary, will provide fascinating insights into the private worlds of two of their children: His Royal Highness The Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester & Her Royal Highness The Princess Mary, Princess Royal & Countess of Harewood & their families.
Comprising 317 lots overall, with estimates ranging from £300 to £100,000, the sale includes a wide array of decorative arts from furniture & ceramics to objects of vertu, silver & glass, alongside clocks, books & paintings.
From the collection of Their Royal Highnesses The Dukes of Gloucester come 217 lots from their London residences & Country House, Barnwell Manor, Northamptonshire; the group mainly comprises items collected by the late T.R.H. The Prince & Princess Henry, Duke & Duchess of Gloucester.
A further 80 lots come from The Collection of The Earls of Harewood, Harewood House, Yorkshire, one of Britain’s grandest stately homes. As well as items from H.R.H. The Princess Mary, who, as Countess of Harewood, was chatelaine of the great house from 1929, the sale includes items that have been amassed by generations of the Lascelles family, from the builder of Harewood, Edwin Lascelles, 1st Baron Harewood (1713-95) through to George Lascelles, 7th Earl of Harewood (1923-2011), Princess Mary’s eldest son.
Lots 1-81: TRH The Dukes of Gloucester Lots 100-179: The Earls of Harewood Lots 180-335: TRH The Dukes of Gloucester
Royal Objects
Giving an evocative window on Royal life during the first part of the 20th Century, highlights from The Dukes of Gloucester include a George V jewelled enamelled gold Royal presentation snuff-box, by Sebastian Garrard London, 1911/1912, made to mark the coronation of Queen Mary & George V in 1911 (estimate: £30,000-50,000); a silver cigarette-case given to H.R.H. The Prince Henry, later Duke of Gloucester by his brother The Prince Albert (later H.M. King George VI), on the occasion of his 18th birthday, inscribed 'For Harry from Bertie 31.3.18' (estimate: £300-500); & two gold-mounted hardstone desk-seals, one with cipher of H.R.H. The Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester (estimate: £2,000-3,000). Highlights from Harewood include: four Royal Standards of H.R.H. The Princess Mary, Princess Royal & Countess of Harewood (estimate: £1,500-2,500); & a George III pearwood carving of the Royal coat-of-arms, late 18th century (estimate: £3,000-5,000).
The cover, sides & base set with panels of translucent French-blue enamel on a radiating engine-turned moire ground, the cover inset with two glazed oval miniatures, on ivory, of Queen Mary & George V, framed with rose cut diamonds, surmounted by a diamond & enamel crown, & with a diamond-set monogram below, Queen Mary, bust-length, facing half to the right & wearing a white dress with Garter & pearls, George V, bust-length, facing slightly left, wearing uniform with Garter & medals, within white enamel bead frames & diamond-set red & green enamel berry & foliate sablé gold borders & pilasters, marked inside on base. 3 3/8 in. (85 mm.) wide
Estimate;
GBP 30,000 - GBP 50,000
(USD 39,480 - USD 65,800)
Two enamelled gold-mounted hardstone desk-seals - The first apparently unmarked, first quarter 20th century; the second late 19th century
Each with lapis lazuli handle, one with spreading gilt-metal mounted foot engraved with initial 'H' within Garter motto & below a Royal duke's coronet, the terminal set with a red enamelled jewelled gold-mounted coronet; the second with enamelled gold base set with carnelian matrix engraved with a galloping horse & jockey.
The first: 3¼ in. (83 mm.) high The second: 2 ¾ in. (70 mm.) high
Provenance; H.R.H. The Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester (1900-1974), the first after 1921.
Estimate:
GBP 2,000 - GBP 3,000
(USD 2,632 - USD 3,948)
Four Royal Standards of H.R.H Princess Mary, Princess Royal & Countess of Harewood
FIRST HALF 20TH CENTURY. Each linen & with rope for attachment to a flagpole 89 in. (226 cm.) high; 35 1/2 in. (90 cm.) wide & similar
Provenance; HRH The Princess Mary, Princess Royal, Countess of Harewood (1897-1965) & by descent at Harewood House, Yorkshire.
Estimate;
GBP 1,500 - GBP 2,500
(USD 1,972 - USD 3,288)
A George III pearwood carving of the Royal Hanoverian Coat-of-arms. Late 18th century, attributed to Thomas & George Seddon
Depicting the Royal coat-of-arms as borne by the House of Hanover 1714-1801, in a Victorian parcel-gilt mahogany frame, applied with a printed paper label 'This was executed in pear or lime tree wood by / Thomas & George Seddon, Cabinet Makers & Upholsterers to / Her late Majesty Queen Victoria, for George the Third at / Windsor Castle / Bought from W. N. Drakeford, late of Johnston & / Jeanes, of New Bond Street. / 30th May 1902' & signed 'W N Drakeford' & with further initials '...JB'
12 in. (30.5 cm.) high; 11 ¾ in. (29.8 cm.) wide; 3 in. (7.5 cm.) deep, the frame, 12 in. (30.5) in. deep, the frame & stand
Provenance; According to label, carved for King George III, Windsor Castle & later acquired from W.N. Drakeford late of Johnston & Jeanes, New Bond Street, 30 May 1902. Possibly acquired by H.M. Queen Mary (1867-1953) & possibly given to her daughter, H.R.H. The Princess Mary, The Princes Royal, Countess of Harewood (1897-1965) & by descent at Harewood House, Yorkshire.
Estimate;
GBP 3,000 - GBP 5,000
(USD 3,948 - USD 6,580)
Dining & entertaining
Providing an opportunity to recreate splendid dining with royal provenance, from The Dukes of Gloucester the sale is led by a set of 19 George III Mahogany dining chairs, circa 1775, in the manner of John Linnell (estimate: £60,000-100,000) & also includes a pair of George III silver three-light candelabra, 1807 (estimate: £10,000-15,000); & a Swedish cut & engraved-glass part-table service, early 20th century (estimate: £2,000-3,000). Further highlights from Harewood include a pair of Louis XVI ormolu & white marble candelabra, circa 1790, possibly by François Remond (estimate: £30,000-50,000).
A set of nineteen George III mahogany dining-chairs, circa 1775, in the manner of John Linnell Each with arched toprail above a pierced knot & patera pattern splat carved with laurel swags, the serpentine padded seat covered in light-blue cotton on tapering square legs & square block feet with probably later gilt-metal paterae & guttae mounts, one chair with label 'THE PROPERTY OF/C.B.O. CLARKE', with baton carrying holes, minor losses & restorations
sizes; 36 ¾ in. (93.5 cm.) high; 21 ¾ in. (55.5 cm.) wide; 23 ½ in. (59.5 cm.) deep
Provenance; The Collection of C. B. O. Clarke, Esq., Wiston Park, Steyning, Sussex. Possibly a wedding present to T.R.H. The Duke & Duchess of Gloucester, November 1935 or acquired shortly there after for their London residence at York House, St. James's Palace.
Estimate;
GBP 60,000 - GBP 100,000
(USD 78,960 - USD 131,600)
A pair of George III silver three-light candelabra
The candlesticks with mark of John Mewburn, 1811, the candelabra branch sockets & nozzles with maker's mark TD, probably for Thomas Daniell, London, 1807
Each circular base cast & chased with rocaille & gadrooned borders, the tapering stems with rocaille & shell knops, spool shaped socket with detachable nozzle, the surmounted by the Royal crown, the candlestick sockets & nozzles engraved with a crest with viscount's coronet above, marked on bases, sockets, nozzles & drip pans, the branches apparently unmarked
sizes; 18 1/8 in. (46 cm.) high, 229 oz. (7,117 gr.)
Provenance;
John Townshend, 2nd Viscount Sydney (1764-1831), by descent to his son, John Townshend, 1st Earl Sydney (1805-1890), The late Earl Sydney G.C.B.; Christie's, London, 17-18 May 1891, lot 97, (£143 to Steinkopf). A wedding present from H.M. King George V & Queen Mary to T.R.H. the Duke & Duchess of Gloucester, November 1935.
Estimate;
GBP 10,000 - GBP 15,000
(USD 13,160 - USD 19,740)
A Swedish cut & engraved-glass part table service by Kosta, early 20th century
Engraved with a band of roses, between further bands of diamond cutting, comprising: seven decanters & stoppers, twenty-three champagne-coupes, eighteen green wine glasses, nine red-wine glasses, ten white-wine glasses, seven slightly smaller, eleven water-glasses, thirty sherry-glasses, twenty-four licqueur-beakers, thirty saucer-dishes The decanters & stoppers: 13 7/8 in. (35.1 cm.) high overall
Estimate;
GBP 2,000 - GBP 3,000
(USD 2,632 - USD 3,948)
A pair of Louis XVI ormolu, patinated-bronze & white marble five-light candelabra, circa 1790, after a model by Etienne-Maurice Falconet, possibly Francois Remond.
Each with a pair of classical female figures holding aloft a tapered urn, issuing a central tapering column with five scrolled branches in two tiers, terminating in stiff leaf nozzles, the lower twisted scroll branches headed by rams head masks & with secondary double foliate wheat & berry scrolls, the upper branches, with foliate scroll caps & part-reeded, all surmounted by eagles & crossed flambeaux, on a cylindrical part-fluted white marble socle mounted with a band of foliate scrolls issuing anthemions above a beaded and stiff leaf collar, on square marble base, drilled for electricity 41 ½ in. (105.5 cm.) high
Provenance;
The Earls of Harewood, Harewood House, Yorkshire. Probably acquired by Edward Lascelles, 1st Earl of Harewood (1740–1820) or his son Edward ‘Beau’ Lascelles, Viscount Lascelles (1764-1814) or inherited in 1916 as part of the Clanricarde bequest or later purchased by Henry Lascelles, 6th Earl of Harewood (1882- 1947), & by descent at Harewood House, Yorkshire.
Estimate;
GBP 30,000 - GBP 50,000
SD 39,480 - USD 65,800)
Fine Art
Among the array of drawings, paintings & prints offered (in addition to political lots featured below), highlights from Harewood include: a Tintoretto drawing of Samson Slaying the Philistines (estimate: £20,000-30,000); a lithograph print, from Miroir de la Tauromachie by Francis Bacon (estimate: £4,000-6,000), Study of a Dancer, 1951, by John Craxton, R.A. (estimate: £5,000-8,000) & Head, 1988, by Dame Elisabeth Frink, R.A., 1988 (estimate: £6,000-9,000) & from The Dukes of Gloucester a portrait of a gentleman, traditionally identified as William, Duke of Cumberland (17211765), by John Wootton (estimate: £20,000-30,000).
Jacopo Robusti, called Jacopo Tintoretto (Venice 1519-1594) or Studio
Samson slaying the Philistines, after Michelangelo (recto & verso)
black & white chalk on blue paper (recto & verso)
Sizes; 15 ¾ x 9 5/8 in. (40 x 24.5 cm.)
Provenance;
B. Grahame, 1878 (according to the 1918 Poynter sale catalogue). Sir Edward John Poynter, Bt., P.R.A. (1836-1919), London; Sotheby's, London, 24 April 1918, lot 180 (£26 to Agnews, for Viscount Lascelles). Henry Lascelles, Viscount Lascelles, later 6th Earl of Harewood (1882-1947), and by descent at Harewood House, Yorkshire.
Estimate;
GBP 20,000 - GBP 30,000
(USD 26,320 - USD 39,480)
John Wootton (Snitterfield, Warwickshire c. 1682-1764 London)
Portrait of a gentleman, traditionally identified as William, Duke of Cumberland (1721-1765), on a dark bay hunter with a hound
signed 'JWootton' (lower left, 'JW' in ligature), oil on canvas, 49 x 53 3/8 in. (124.4 x 135.6 cm.)
Estimate
GBP 20,000 - GBP 30,000
(USD 26,320 - USD 39,480)
Francis Bacon (1909-1992)
One print, from: Miroir de la Tauromachie
lithograph in colours, 1990, on a folded sheet of wove paper with letterpress text (as issued), signed in pencil, from the edition of 150, published by Galerie Lelong, Paris, in very good condition, framed
Image size; 480 360 mm., Sheet 480 x 720 mm. (folded)
Provenance;
Probably acquired by George Lascelles, 7th Earl of Harewood (1923-2011) & his wife Patricia, Countess of Harewood (1926-2018).
Estimate;
GBP 4,000 - GBP 6,000
(USD 5,264 - USD 7,896)
John Craxton, R.A. (1922-2009)
Study of a Dancer
dated 'August/51' (lower right), ink and pencil on paper, 10 x 6 ¾ in. (25.4 x 16.5 cm.), Executed in 1951.
Provenance;
Peter Pears (1910-1986) by whom purchased at the 1951 exhibition, probably either acquired on behalf of or subsequently given to George Lascelles, 7th Earl of Harewood (1923-2011) and Marion, Countess of Harewood (1926-2014) & by descent.
Estimate;
GBP 5,000 - GBP 8,000
(USD 6,580 - USD 10,528)
Politics
One of the most valuable pieces of fine art is also a political highlight from Harewood: a Portrait of George Canning, M.P. by Thomas Lawrence (estimate: £25,000-40,000). Canning served as Tory Prime Minister from April to August 1827. Also from Harewood: a Portrait of William Pitt the Younger, with the robe of the Chancellor of the Exchequer by Studio of John Hopner (estimate: £5,000-8,000) & a group of five 19th century dispatch boxes (estimate: £2,000-3,000). Apart from the Lawrence, these objects came to The Earls of Harewood in 1916, when Viscount Lascelles – later 6th Earl of Harewood & husband of The Princess Mary – received a substantial inheritance from his relative, Hubert de Burgh-Canning, 2nd Marquess of Clanricarde, a descendant of George Canning & his family.
Thomas Lawrence, P.R.A. (1769-1830)
Portrait of George Canning, M.P. (1770-1827), half-length, seated
pencil, black, white & red chalk on canvas 30 ¼ x 25 ¼ in. (76.8 x 64.2 cm.)
Provenance;
Lawrence sale (†); Christie's, London, 19 June 1830, lot 405 (30 gns to Woodburn). The Marquess of Lansdowne, M.V.O., D.S.O; Christie's, London, 7 March 1930, lot 9 (18 gns to Carl Tancred Borenius for Lord Harewood). Henry Lascelles, 6th Earl of Harewood (1882-1947), & by descent by descent at Harewood House, Yorkshire.
Estimate;
GBP 25,000 - GBP 40,000
(USD 32,900 - USD 52,640)
Studio of John Hoppner (London 1758-1810)
Portrait of William Pitt the Younger (1759-1806), three-quarter-length, in a black coat, with the robe of the Chancellor of the Exchequer .
oil on canvas; 56 ¾ x 47 ½ in. (144.1 x 120.6 cm.); in a contemporary gilt composition frame
Provenance;
Hubert George de Burgh-Canning, 2nd Marquess of Clanricarde (1832- 1916), by whom bequeathed to his great-nephew, Henry George Charles Lascelles, 6th Earl of Harewood (1882-1947), & by descent at Harewood House to the present owner.
Estimate;
GBP 5,000 - GBP 8,000
(USD 6,580 - USD 10,528)
A group of five early/mid 19th century dispatch boxes
Comprising: a black dispatch box, the cover embossed 'C', 'RIGHT HON. BLE GEORGE CANNING' & four times 'GR' under coronet, applied with paper label with the Canning coat-of-arms & another printed 'Lord Canning / Papers relating to India / 1852-59', the side with further paper label inscribed in ink 'Canning Lord...'; a black dispatch box embossed to the top '..GE CANNING' & four times 'GR' under coronet, & applied with paper label printed 'Lord Charles Canning Mss / Dead Letter Office: a collection of begging letters addressed to Louis Philippe & others, / 1848-1850 & refused.', the front applied with paper label of the Canning coat-of-arms; a red leather dispatch box, the top embossed 'PRIVATE' & 'C' & with paper labels inscribed 'Canning... / Fragile papers etc' &'146A' twice, one bale handle; a red leather dispatch box, the cover with swing handle &a rectangular black leather dispatch box, the cover with swing handle, embossed 'VR' under coronet &'VISCOUNT CANNING', also with paper labels with canning coat of arms &'Lady Canning's Letters', the lock stamped 'CHUBB'S / NEW PATENT', 'S6 / 154439'.
The largest: 8 ¾ in. (22.2 cm.) high; 17 ½ in. (44.5 cm.) wide; 11 ¾ in. (30 cm.) deep
Provenance;
Two: George Canning (1770-1827) & descent to his son (all) Charles John Canning, 1st Earl Canning (1812-1862) & y descent to his nephew, Hubert George de Burgh-Canning, 2nd Marquess of Clanricarde (1832-1916), by whom bequeathed to his great-nephew, Henry Lascelles, 6th Earl of Harewood (1882-1947), & by descent at Harewood House, Yorkshire.
Estimate;
GBP 2,000 - GBP 3,000
(USD 2,632 - USD 3,948)
White enamel Maltese Cross with laurel leaf surround to the central portrait of King Otho, facing right, blue enamel border, rev. Greek cross with central Bavarian coat of arms, in gold & silver gilt, in fitted case (star deficient), with three interesting documents dated 1838, extremely fine rare
Maltese Cross including suspension loop;12 cm. high
Provenance;
Awarded to Charles John Canning, 1st Earl Canning (1812-1862) in 1838; & by descent to his nephew, Hubert George de Burgh-Canning, 2nd Marquess of Clanricarde (1832-1916), by whom bequeathed to his great-nephew, Henry Lascelles, 6th Earl of Harewood (1882- 1947), & by descent at Harewood House, Yorkshire.
Estimate;
GBP 2,000 - GBP 3,000
(USD 2,632 - USD 3,948)
Desk & Library
Highlights for desk & library include, from The Dukes of Gloucester: a monogrammed 9-carat gold notebook holder & pen which belonged to H.M. Queen Mary (1867-1953) (estimate: £1,200-1,800); a George III mahogany library table, circa 1750 (estimate: £30,000-50,000); The history of the Royal Residences, London, 1819 by W.H. Pyne (estimate: £2,000-3,000); & a Victorian silver inkstand, mark of Martin, Hall & Co., London, 1892, with the crest of the Duke of Gloucester (estimate: £400600). From Harewood lots include a pair of Regency painted klismos chairs, circa 1810 (estimate: £15,000-25,000).
A George V 9 carat gold notebook holder & pen in fitted case
Mark of John Collard Vickery, London, 1928
The cover engraved with ribbon tied flower garlands &'M' under a Royal crown, the interior of the cover engraved with a presentation inscription, marked on side & inside cover, the pencil stamped 'MORDAN EVERPOINT / 9 CT.' brown alligator skin fitted case with cream watered silk lining & stamped 'J C Vickery Regent St'
6 in. (15 cm.) wide; gross weight 6 oz. 18 dwt. (215 gr.)
The initial 'M' is for H.M. Queen Mary (1867-1953). The facsimile inscription reads 'Wishing your Majesty all Xmas & New / Years greetings for this & many years / to come / Lonsdale'.
Provenance;
A Christmas present given to Queen Mary by Henry Lowther, 5th Earl of Lonsdale (1857-1944), & by descent to H.R.H. The Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester (1900-1974).
Estimate;
GBP 1,200 - GBP 1,800
(USD 1,579 - USD 2,368)
![PYNE, William Henry (1769-1843). The History of the Royal Residences of Windsor Castle, St. James's Palace, Carlton House, Kensington Palace, Hampton Court, Buckingham House, and Frogmore. London: A. Dry, 1819 [text watermarked 1817, plates watermarked 1818]. Royal family history. Christies.com sale](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e0b9e6_0018a5fae2e04689a9fa6c5be7c57d8e~mv2_d_3110_4000_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1260,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/e0b9e6_0018a5fae2e04689a9fa6c5be7c57d8e~mv2_d_3110_4000_s_4_2.jpg)
PYNE, William Henry (1769-1843). The History of the Royal Residences of Windsor Castle, St. James's Palace, Carlton House, Kensington Palace, Hampton Court, Buckingham House, & Frogmore. London: A. Dry, 1819 [text watermarked 1817, plates watermarked 1818].
First edition of one of the most ambitious aquatint books to be published on English interiors. This celebrated work was the first to illustrate royal palaces & houses in any detail: vol. I contains a valuable record of the state rooms of Windsor Castle formed for Charles II, & concludes with the more domestic scenes of Frogmore; vol. II is devoted to Hampton Court, whose state rooms had fallen into disuse for almost 60 years, & also covers Buckingham & Kensington Palaces, the latter constructed for William III, but so neglected by 1814 that the Duke of Kent complained of 'rain pouring through the ceiling at twenty different points' & of being 'literally perishing with cold in my library'; vol. III's subjects are St. James's Palace & Carlton House, with the final 24 plates devoted to the latter & depicting the most spectacular interiors in Regency London. Pyne was one of Ackermann's most important collaborators, but this work was self-published in parts, until A. Dry took over publication sometime in 1819. Abbey Scenery 396; Tooley 389. Quarto (334 x 275mm). 100 hand-coloured aquatint plates (without half-titles, a few text leaves with very minor marginal finger-soiling, otherwise a clean, fresh copy). Finely-bound in contemporary dark-blue straight-grained morocco, covers with border composed of gilt & blind scroll tools, enclosing a large gilt-blocked gothic architectonic central device, gilt spines, turn-ins & edges (extremities lightly rubbed). Provenance: Gloucester (bookplates).
Estimate;
GBP 2,000 - GBP 3,000
(USD 2,632 - USD 3,948)
A Victorian silver inkstand
Mark of Samuel Walton Smith, London, 1891
Oblong, with pierced scrolling sides, raised on foliate-capped scroll feet, two cut glass inkpots with hinged silver covers, engraved with a presentation inscription, marked underneath & on inkwell fitments & covers and stamped 'Heming & Co. Ltd. 26 & 28 CONDUIT ST LONDON W.'
8 ¾ in. (22.5 cm.) wide. 15 oz. 4 dwt. (475 gr.)
The inscription reads 'Presented to / LADY ALICE MONTAGUE SCOTT / on the occasion of her marriage to / H.R.H. THE DUKE OF GLOUCESTER / by the officials & workmen on / The Boughton Estate / 6th November 1935.'
Provenance;
A wedding present from the Officials of the Boughton Estate to TRH the Duke & Duchess of Gloucester, November 1935.
Estimate;
GBP 400 - GBP 600
(USD 526 - USD 789)
H.R.H Princess Alice
The late Duchess of Gloucester (1901-2004) – known as H.R.H. Princess Alice following the Duke’s death in 1974 – went on to be the longest-lived member of the Royal Family. The Princess was a keen needlewoman & a highlight of the sale is a set of four 18th century cockpen armchairs, received as a wedding present in 1935, the seats of which Princess Alice embroidered over many years, one of the chairs has been signed & dated in the stitching ‘Alice 1937’ (offered as two pairs, estimate: £5,000-8,000 respectively). Prior to her marriage the then Lady Alice Montagu Douglas Scott travelled to Kenya, a world away from her native Scotland, a world she recorded with the aid of her trusty Kodak camera. The camera, embossed 'ALICE SCOTT', along with its leather case as part of a collection of early-mid 20th century leather mounted objects which also include the late Duke’s binoculars (estimate: £300-500).
A pair of George III mahogany cockpen armchairs
Circa 1760, possibly Scottish, the needlework by H.R.H the Duchess of Gloucester, later Princesss Alice (1901-2004)
Each with a lattice back & outswept arms above a padded embroidered seat depicting creatures & foliage, on splayed legs joined by stretchers, one chair with seat signed & dated in the embroidery 'Alice 1937'. 34 ¾ in. (88 cm.) high; 24 in. (61 cm.) wide; 22 ¾ in. (58 cm.) deep
Provenance; A wedding present from the City of Glasgow to TRH the Duke & Duchess of Gloucester, November, 1935 (a set of eight).
Estimate per pair;
GBP 5,000 - GBP 8,000
(USD 6,580 - USD 10,528)
A collection of leather mounted objects, early-mid 20th century
Comprising: two sets of cased binoculars, the larger with 'H' monogram to the case & labelled 'Wallace Heaton Ltd.'; a Kodak box camera marked 'ALICE SCOTT' in embossed lettering to the camera's body, the leather case monogrammed 'A.C.S'; three travel clocks; a note-pad mounted with a crown & a pair of opera glasses.
The larger case: 8 ½ in. (21.5 cm.) high
Provenance; The camera: Lady Alice Montagu-Douglas-Scott, later H.R.H. The Duchess of Gloucester (Princess Alice) and thought to have been used during travels in Africa prior to her marriage in 1935. The larger binoculars with Monogram for The Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester.
Estimate;
GBP 300 - GBP 500
(USD 394 - USD 658)
Opera
The 7th Earl of Harewood (1923-2011), son of Princess Mary, was passionate about opera, having served as editor of Opera magazine, Director of The Edinburgh Festival, Director of the Royal Opera House & Managing Director of the English National Opera as well as being edito& co-author of Kobbé’s Complete Opera Book. A small collection of works in the sale represent this lifelong interest, including: a Set Design for Don Giovanni & Drop Curtain, Loxford, both by John Piper (estimates £12,000-18,000 & £10,000-15,000 respectively); a Charity Opera Factory, 1993, by Sir Eduardo Paolozzi (estimate: £1,200-1,800); & two Soviet porcelain figures of Feodor Chaliapin as Boris Godunov & a figure of Sadko (estimate: £1,500-2,500).
A SOVIET PORCELAIN FIGURE OF FEODOR CHALIAPIN AS BORIS GODUNOV
BY THE LOMONOSOV PORCELAIN FACTORY, LENINGRAD, 1954
After the model by Yakov Troupyanskii, painted by Varvara Rukavishnikova, depicting Feodor Chaliapin in the role of Boris Godunov, apparently unmarked, signed in Cyrillic 'V. Rukavishnikova' & dated '1954' under base; together with a Soviet porcelain figure of Sadko, Ukraine, circa 1970 standing on a mount of coral and shells with fish, marked under base.
The first:11 3/8 in. (28.5 cm.) high. The second: 13 in. (33 cm.) high
Provenance; Acquired by George Lascelles, 7th Earl of Harewood (1923-2011) & his wife Patricia, Countess of Harewood (1926-2018).
Sir Eduardo Paolozzi, R.A. (1924-2005)
Charity Opera Factory
signed & dated 'Eduardo Paolozzi 1993' (upper right edge), collage on card; 8 x 5 ¾ in. (20.3 x 14.6 cm.); Executed in 1993.
Provenance; Acquired by George Lascelles, 7th Earl of Harewood (1923-2011) and his wife Patricia, Countess of Harewood (1926-2018).
Estimate;
GBP 1,200 - GBP 1,800
(USD 1,579 - USD 2,368)
The Nursery
Step back into childhood with some perfectly timed Christmas presents for children. The collection from The Dukes of Gloucester contains a number of children’s books including first editions by A.A Milne such as Winnie the Pooh (estimate: £4,000-6,000) & The House at Pooh Corner (estimate: £1,500-2,500), as well as a doll's house dating to the second half 20th century (estimate: £400-600).
A polychrome decorated doll's house, second half of 20th century
The stepped front with pediment
23 ¾ in. (60.5 cm.) high; 46 ¾ in. (118.5 cm.) wide; 15 ¼ in. (38.5 cm.)
Estimate;
GBP 400 - GBP 600
(USD 526 - USD 789)
MILNE, Alan Alexander (author, 1882-1956) & Ernest Howard SHEPARD (illustrator, 1879-1976). Winnie-the-Pooh. London: Methuen, 1926.
First edition, number 52 of 350 large-paper copies signed by the author & artist. A fine copy.
Quarto (223 x 175mm). Half title, folding map & illustrations by E. H. Shepard. Original dark blue cloth-backed paper boards, printed label on upper cover, uncut (faint spotting to covers at top corner). Provenance: Gloucester (bookplate).
Estimate;
GBP 4,000 - GBP 6,000
(USD 5,264 - USD 7,896)
Some of my personal favourites;
QUEEN VICTORIA, GOLDEN JUBILEE GOLD MEDAL 1887
with 1897 bar in gold for the Diamond Jubilee, with bow denoting to be worn by a lady, contact marks, good very fine
Estimate;
GBP 800 - GBP 1,200
(USD 1,052 - USD 1,579)
A COLLECTION OF SIX CORONATION MEDALS
Comprising two Edward VII coronation medals, 1902, in silver; two George V, Coronation Medals, 1911, in silver; and two Elizabeth II Coronation Medals, 1953, in silver, all extremely fine.
Estimate;
GBP 400 - GBP 600
(USD 526 - USD 789)
A GROUP OF SEVEN PORTRAIT MINIATURES OF ROYAL SITTERS
King Edward VII (1841-1910), in semi-profile to the left, wearing red coat and orders (English School, 19th century. On ivory); the same sitter in profile to the right (English School, 19th century. On ivory); Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holsten (1831-1917), wearing the robes of the Order of the Garter (by William Thompson Barber, fl. c. 1876-1885, signed ‘WT Barber’ and indistinctly signed, lower right. On ivory); Edward VIII as a boy (by William and Daniel Downey, active 1855-1941. On card); Queen Mary (1867-1953) (English School, early 20th century, on a photographic card base); Queen Alexandra (1844-1925), dressed for the Connaught-Fife wedding (English School, circa 1913. On a photographic card base); a plated silver frame containing four locks of hair (18th century, the plated surround later) Some on ivory, some on card
Oval and rectangular, 35 to 120 mm. high, framed
Estimate;
GBP 1,000 - GBP 1,500
(USD 1,315 - USD 1,972)
To view the full e-catalogue, please visit www.christies.com/royal
For further information about Christie's
CHRISTIE'S
8 King Street, St James’, London, SW1Y 6QT
Tel: +44 (0) 207 389 2964
Email: hschweiger@christies.com
Contact the Specialist Department
Specialist;
Adrian Hume Sayer
Tel:+44 (0)20 7389 2696
Sale Coordinator
Dido Penny
Tel:+44 (0)20 7389 2794
All photographs of items above have been supplied by CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2019
Brief biographies;
Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester; (b.31 March 1900 – d.10 June 1974) was the third son & fourth child of King George V & Queen Mary. He served as Governor-General of Australia from 1945 to 1947, he was the only member of the British royal family to hold the post. Henry was the first son of a British monarch to be educated at school, where he excelled at sports, & went on to attend Eton College, after which he was commissioned in the 10th Royal Hussars, a regiment he hoped to command. But his military career was interrupted by his royal duties, & he was nicknamed "the unknown soldier". In 1935, he married Lady Alice Montagu Douglas Scott, with whom he had two sons, Princes William & Richard.
From 1939 to 1940, Henry served in France as a liaison officer to Lord Gort. He performed military & diplomatic duties during the rest of the war, then in 1945 was appointed as Australia's governor-general at the request of Prime Minister John Curtin. The post had originally been offered to his younger brother, the Duke of Kent, who died in an air crash. Henry attended the coronation of his niece Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 & carried out several overseas tours, often accompanied by his wife. From 1965, he became incapacitated by a number of strokes. Upon his death, he was succeeded as the Duke of Gloucester by his only living son, Richard. At the time of his death, Prince Henry was the last surviving child of King George V & Queen Mary.
Interesting facts; He was baptised at the private chapel of Windsor Castle on 17 May 1900. Among his godparents were: Queen Victoria (his great-grandmother); the German Emperor Wilhelm II (his first cousin once removed, for whom Prince Albert of Prussia stood proxy); Princess Henry of Battenberg (his paternal great-aunt); the Duchess of Cumberland (his paternal great-aunt, whose sister, his grandmother the Princess of Wales represented her); Prince George of Greece (his first cousin once removed, for whom Prince Henry's paternal grandfather the Prince of Wales stood proxy); & Princess Carl of Denmark (his paternal aunt, for whom her sister Princess Victoria of Wales stood proxy).
Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester, (born Alice Christabel Montagu Douglas Scott; 25 December 1901 – d.29 October 2004) was the wife of Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, the third son of King George V & Queen Mary. She was the mother of Prince William of Gloucester and Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester.
The daughter of the 7th Duke of Buccleuch, Scotland's largest landowner, she became by marriage a princess of the United Kingdom, & a sister-in-law to Edward VIII and George VI. She was thus an aunt by marriage to Elizabeth II. Princess Alice was extremely well-travelled, both before and after her marriage.
Interesting Fact: She was a descendant, in an unbroken male line, of Charles II through his eldest but illegitimate son, James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth, himself a major political figure during the years leading up to the Glorious Revolution.
Mary, Princess Royal and Countess of Harewood (b. 25 April 1897 – d.28 March 1965) was the third child & only daughter of King George V & Queen Mary & was born during the reign of Queen Victoria, her great-grandmother. Mary was the paternal aunt of the current British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. Princess Mary visited hospitals & welfare organisations extensively with her mother during the First World War. Princess Mary's Gift Fund also provided Christmas boxes for all British troops in 1914. After a nursing course in 1918, Princess Mary worked at Great Ormond Street Hospital & in 1926 was appointed Commandant in Chief of British Red Cross Detachments.
Mary married British soldier, peer & Yorkshire landowner Viscount Lascelles (later the Earl of Harewood) in 1922. Princess Mary & Lord Lascelles had two sons:
George Lascelles, 7th Earl of Harewood (7 February 1923 – 11 July 2011); married, 1949, Marion Stein; divorced 1967; married, 1967, Patricia Elizabeth Tuckwell..
The Honourable Gerald Lascelles (21 August 1924 – 27 February 1998); married, 1952, Angela Dowding.
The Princess & her husband had homes in London (Chesterfield House, Westminster) & in Yorkshire (first Goldsborough Hall, a later Harewood House)
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