LONDON.- The private collection of one of the finest furniture maker’s of his time, Emmanuel Alfred Beurdeley (1847-1919), is to be sold at Bonhams, New Bond Street, as part of its Fine European Furniture, Sculpture and Works of Art sale on 6 July 2011.

Emmanuel Alfred took over his family business in 1875. It was started in 1807 by his grandfather, Jean Beurdeley (1772-1853), as a ‘marchand de curiosités’, and succeeded by his father, Louis Auguste, who became a prominent dealer in French furniture and objets d’arts in Paris. Louis Auguste also founded a workshop, which was later developed by Emmanuel Alfred.

When the business finally closed in 1895, most of the furniture and works of art created and collected by the Beurdeley family were sold at auction. However Emmanuel Alfred kept several pieces, which were taken to his hotel particulier in Paris and later bequeathed to his children.

Among these items, several of which are to be sold by Bonhams, is a pietre dure secrétaire considered to be one of Emmanuel Alfred’s masterpieces and that was used by his wife, which has attracted a pre-sale estimate of £80,000 – 120,000; an amaranth, tulipwood and kingwood marquetry commode, expected to fetch £50,000 – 80,000; a lacquer desk based on a model by Nicolas Pierre Séverin, currently to be seen in the Louvre museum, which is expected to sell for £60,000 – 100,000; and a Louis XVI style mahogany and ebony cabinet, which has been estimated at £40,000 – 60,000.

Camille Mestdagh, Senior Specialist in Bonhams’ Fine European Furniture Department, comments: “After almost 10 years researching Beurdeley’s oeuvre I can attest how rarely his works come onto the market. We are even more honoured to be offering these exceptional pieces directly from his descendants, therefore fresh to the market and in original condition: a great opportunity for discerning collectors!”