A Lake District hotel’s contents are set to go under the hammer as it embarks on a complete revamp.
Owners of Windermere’s Langdale Chase Hotel has a number of lots in Mitchells’ next Antiques and Fine Art Sale, from Wednesday November 30 to Friday December 2 at its Cockermouth saleroom.
Two magnificent fire surrounds and antique paintings from the hotel are among the lots on offers.
The famous hotel, which sits in six acres of landscaped gardens overlooking Windermere, is being completely refurbished to return the interior to its original listed state when built in 1891.
Items to be sold will include two substantial fire surrounds built on a scale rarely seen, both measuring around three metres high.
One is made from carved oak from the 17th century and later; the other is a magnificent Victorian gothic revival work.
Neither were original to the building are are now available for sale for an ambitious interior design project, with a conservative estimate of £500-£700 each.
Artworks from the hotel include a late 17th century portrait of a French noble, three quarter length wearing the Catholic order of Santiago estimated at £1,000-£2,000 and an 18th century oil on canvas of Francis Drake feasting with a collection of ladies in Tudor dress with an estimate of £600-£800.
This work has been laid down on a later panel and is an unusual composition of an important historical figure.
Since interest in the Tudor period remains high, this painting could do well in the open market, Mitchells said.
Other older paintings include a 17th oil on canvas portrait of a soldier with a valuation of £1,200-£1,800 and an 18th century English school oil on canvas portrait of a gentleman with an estimate of £400-£600.
The sale will have a total of 1,350 lots on offer.
Artwork
The sale also includes important post-war artworks that have been consigned by local vendors.
The standout modernist work is an oil on board painting of Hayle Harbour by Bryan Pearce (1929-2007), an artist from the famous St Ives school and heavily influenced by Alfred Wallis.
Originally bought direct from the artist in the 1960s, the painting is fresh to the open market and estimated at £5,000-£7,000.
Other highlights among the fine art by celebrated local artists include an illustrated letter in watercolour by Percy Kelly (1918-1993) with a valuation of £1,000-£1,500 and a painting by June Bennett (1935-2013) Path Through the Cornfield with an estimate of £300-£500.
Clocks
The sale also features several fine clocks including a Le Roy et Fils Grand Sonnerie gorge carriage clock estimated at £5,000-£8,000 and a 19th century French Boulle marquetry longcase clock with an estimate of £4,000-£6,000.
Other valuable clocks include a George III longcase clock by William Lassel Toxteth Park and London with three train movement with an auction estimate of £4,000-£6,000 and a large Edwardian three train bracket clock by Webber Liverpool which is expected to sell for £2,500-£3,000.
Furniture
Notable lots among the furniture are a splendid Edwardian Vernis Martin display cabinet with an estimate of £4,000-£6,000, a nest of Mouseman Thompson of Kilburn oak tables estimated at £800-£1,200 and a Victorian rosewood military secretaire chest which is expected to sell for £700-£1,000.
Collectors’ items
Some more unusual items for sale include a 9ct gold cigarette case valued at £1,500-£2,000 and a rare Roulette and Decamps leaping lion automaton estimated at £800-£1,200.
A collection of Medieval-style weaponry, mounted on a large oak shield, has an auction estimate of £150-£200.
Ceramics
Ceramics will include a large pair of continental porcelain vases valued at £500-£800 and a late 19th century Reeds Art Pottery jardinière which should make £100-£150.
To bid, for more information and to look through the full catalogue, click here
What is the timetable for Mitchells Antiques and Fine Art Sale?
Day one, Wednesday November 30
Asian art, ceramics and glassware, jewellery, watches, pocket watches and coins, silver and allied wares, table boxes, wall clocks, barometers and mirrors and textiles.
Day two, Thursday December 1
Paintings, drawings and prints, objects of art and collectors’ items and metalware.
Day three, Friday December 2
Furniture, longcase clocks and dining tables.
When I can view the lots on offer at Mitchells Antiques and Fine Art Sale?
Lots are on view in the Saleroom from Sunday November 27, 11am to 3pm, Monday November 28 and Tuesday November 29, 10am to 5pm and throughout each sale day.
How do I bid at Mitchells Antiques and Fine Art Sale?
A fully illustrated catalogue can be viewed online now at www.the-saleroom.com/Mitchells where buyers can also register to bid live during the sale or leave automatic advance bids.
Anyone unable to attend the sale can also arrange to bid by telephone or leave commission bids in advance before the sale. Anyone requiring further information about lots featured in the auction should contact auctioneers James Forster or Mark Wise on 01900 827800.
To bid, for more information and to look through the full catalogue, click here
What’s next at Mitchells?
Mitchells will also be holding its first ever Transport and Maritime Sale as a timed online auction over the Christmas period from December 15 to January 8.
The sale will include everything from car mascots, badges and vintage car registration plates to road signs, travel books, cruise-related novelties and railway lamps, including a Victorian Furness Railway three aspect hand lamp with an estimate of £2,500-£3,500.
Entries are open until November 30. To consign items for sale contact James Forster or Ewan Duff on 01900 827800.
You can view the Transport and Maritime Sale catalogue here
And finally, for those clearing out their toy cupboards before Christmas, remember that Mitchells is inviting entries for its next Vintage and Antique Toy Sale on Thursday February 16.
Contact Mitchells’ toy specialist Ewan Duff for a free valuation of items for potential sale on 01900 827800.
