Furniture

A record sale total, the trade in buying mood and traditional furniture selling well – all further evidence that 2017 so far is proving rather less catastrophic than some had forecast.

Decorative furniture from the 19th century was in keen demand at Guernsey auctioneers Martel Maides (17.5% buyer’s premium) on March 15-16 including a pair of satinwood demi lune commodes.

In Kent, the Design Gallery’s largest-ever furniture warehouse sale, including a basement clear-out, takes place on Saturday and Sunday, April 22-23.

With the major names of the pioneers beyond the purses of most admirers of Cotswolds School furniture, works by Sir Gordon Russell are steady sellers and 16 pieces offered at Mallams (20% buyer’s premium) all found buyers on March 16.

At the end of an article penned for the Regional History Society titled Furniture Terminology in Post-Medieval Middle Class Inventories, the late Victor Chinnery wrote that any full glossary on the subject should include, not just furniture, but also pottery, glass, metalwork and architectural fittings.

Justin Evershed-Martin is the former director of Mallett who has launched a business specialising in 20th century decorative art and furniture. This week he exhibits at the Decorative Art Antiques and Textiles Fair in Battersea with a selection of privately sourced pieces all priced under £8000 (see right).

From minimalist lamp to starry chandelier

Blackminster Business Park, near Evesham

Two pieces of early oak furniture deaccessioned from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York far outstripped modest expectations when offered for sale in California last month. The two tersely catalogued lots – both bequeathed to the museum in 1964 – appeared at Clars in Oakland on March 18. They sold to New York buyers.

Exceptional items star as Bonhams’ oak sales face the challenge of reduced space and lots

This William and Mary walnut marquetry cabinet, right, was recently bought by an international museum for a mid six- figure sum.

Through surviving examples of Charles II beadwork, it is possible to catch a glimpse of the splendid colours of Stuart England.

Folksy 18th and 19th century vernacular lighting retains a strong following.

An imposing sight on the stand of London furniture dealer Godson & Coles, this early 18th century japanned bureau cabinet sold for a six-figure sum at the BADA 2017 fair.

The next Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair runs from April 4-9 in London’s Battersea Park. The second of three fairs to take place in the Battersea Evolution Marquee, it follows a successful January edition.

Brothers Ben and Harry Tucker have given new meaning to the term ‘war cabinet’.

Furniture takes a rare top spot despite numerous and varied delights at Dorchester auction