Owlers was the name given to the smugglers who used to hide in this Wealden cottage and kept watch by hooting and Lady Dufferin herself loved owls. These associations were reflected in the sale at Christie’s by the inclusion of seven late 19th century English porcelain owl lamp bases: three pairs and a
single example all with some chips to the extremities, that had been at the Owl House. As the prices detailed here show, these pieces proved hugely popular selling for true country house souvenir prices.
from left to right:
1. A pair of 17in (43cm) high white owls on polychrome flower encrusted bases both with blue script WR marks, estimated at £500-800, sold for £3900.
2. A pair of 73/4in (19.5cm) high lamp bases modelled as three white owls supporting ivy clad reservoirs, script and impressed
numerals to bases, estimate £100-200, sold for £4800.
3. A single brown owl on a domed base applied with waterlilies 10in (25.5cm), estimate £100-200, sold for £1200.
4. A pair of 171/4in (44cm) high brown owls on flower encrusted mounds, one with stapled base, estimate £500-800, sold for £5700.
English owls take flight
UK: WHILE Christie’s sale of the collection of the Marchioness of Dufferin and Ava lacked much of the memorabilia one so often associates with these events, the personal gap was filled in some measure by the elements from The Owl House.
