At Reeman Dansie we have a long and proud tradition of handling significant private collections and large estate sales. When directed to undertake such a sale we are careful to ensure that our approach is specifically tailored to fully maximise the given collection at auction. Extensive resources and experience are utilised to ensure that an appropriate auction context is established and large collections can either be offered as stand-alone sales or as special sections within our existing sale calendar. In either instance we are keen to present collections together with biographical detail and illustration to give dimension and depth to the collection, this is extended to targeted advertising, press releases and editorial and even down to how items are presented in the sale-room to ensure that the essence of a collection is captured. Not only do our sale catalogues become a lasting testimony to a collector or estate, they also become a point of reference for future collectors.
In recent years notable collections have included the 2008 William Tallon sale: William Tallon was the late Queen Mother’s butler and we were instructed to sell the contents of his London flat upon his death. Comprising personal effects and Tallon’s art and antiques collection together with letters, photographs and personal belongings acquired from the Royal family, the 700 lot sale was presented as a single owner auction. An unprecedented level of international interest and intense phone bidding slowed proceedings and the sale progressed well into the evening. Nowadays the William Tallon sale catalogues have themselves become highly prized and exchange hands for significant sums.
In 2017 we were instructed to sell the contents of Stanley Studios, a row of Victorian artists’ studios in Chelsea which had been converted into a single dwelling by prolific artist and successful antiques dealer Peter Collins and his wife Georgette. In its heyday in swinging 60s and 70s Chelsea, Stanley Studios had been a hub for the artistic community, the extensive studio complex was rich with artworks, antiques and curios, it remained largely unchanged for the following decades and our valuers described it as like a time capsule when they first visited. We presented the collection as a single owner sale, the catalogue was studded with old photographs of the interior, together with related press cuttings of the era and other biographical detail, the auction was preceded by a private preview for the Collins’ family and select clients. The 600 lot sale totalled in excess of £225,000 with top billing going to a Elisabeth Frink bronze chess piece, this diminutive 10cm sculpture achieved
£32,000
Other notable recent collections sold through our rooms include The John Adler M.B.E collection of antique pipes and smoking paraphernalia. Sold in 2017 for a combined total exceeding £75,000 this represented one of the largest collections of its type to come to auction in recent years, we were able to maximise the potential value by targeted global marketing of the antique pipe collecting community.
If you are interested in selling a collection or Estate at auction please contact our auctioneers to discuss how we may tailor our services to your requirements.
Want to know how much your Private Collection of Estate may be worth? Fill out our valuation form and a member of the team will be in touch with your free advice shortly.
Director
T: 01206 754754
E: Jonathan.benson@reemandansie.com
Daniel Wright
Associate Director
T: 01206 754754
