LONDON.- An eclectic selection of interior antiques belonging to art and antiques dealer Mr, John Penrose will be sold at Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Auctions Donnington Priory saleroom in their two-day Interiors, Glass and Ceramics sale on Tuesday 28th and Wednesday 29th January.
A striking pair of antler electroliers, in the 19th century style, is among the varied private collection belonging to Mr John Penrose.
At the turn of the century, electroliers quickly replaced gasoliers as electricity began to light the homes of Britain. In an 1891 book Mrs J.E.H Gordon described this new lighting as; showing up every wrinkle and line in the face. No one over the age of 18 should be asked to sit beneath such a light! The pair of electroliers is estimated to achieve £500-700 [Lot 286].
Penrose describes his personal taste as wide-ranging, as can be seen from in the pieces offered in the sale. From the Georgian period is a mahogany dressing table produced in the manner of Gillows of London and Lancaster. Gillows, founded by Robert Gillow in 1730, developed a national and then international reputation for quality furniture, outlasting the famous furniture producers of the time, Chippendale and Sheraton. The table, circa 1825, is estimated at £600-800 [Lot 328].
John Penrose has been collecting and dealing in art and antiques for more than fifty years, whilst writing about and advising clients on the renovation and decoration of period homes. His art gallery; The Dollar Street Gallery was based in a Georgian townhouse in the centre of Cirencester. As Chairman of UK based charity The Discerning Eye since 2007 Penrose currently supports the organisation in its aim to encourage a wider understanding and appreciation of the visual arts.
Elsewhere in the sale, from a separate collection, is an early 19th century Chamberlains Worcester armorial part dessert service from Nunney Court, formerly the residence of Mr Rob Walker, owner of Formula Ones highly successful Rob Walker Racing team. The service, circa 1800, is estimated at £2,500-3,500 [Lot 22].
The sale is on view at Donnington Priory in Berkshire, from Saturday to Wednesday, 25th - 29th January. The catalogue is available to view online at www.dnfa.com and details about online bidding with no additional premium can be found at
www.dnfa.com.