Market-fresh material at sensible estimates paid dividends for the 46-lot furniture and works of art dispersal from the estate of the late Geoffrey Benn (1912-2004) in this 299-lot Berkshire outing. Although there were only five four-figure lots in this holding, all bar three works got away with most entries selling better than expected - the collection contributed £31,505 to the £212,400 total with buyers for 81 per cent of entries.
Following his retirement as a picture framer and interior designer Geoffrey Benn (1912-2004) became an avid collector of pictures, furniture and works of art and was a familiar face to many Hungerford, Bath and Marlborough dealers. He had an eye for the decorative and the foremost lot in this dispersal was the eye-catching 18th century wing back chair in George II style with modern upholstery pictured right.
Estimated at £1500-2000, a provincial dealer contested it to a healthy £8300.
Outside of the dispersal there was spirited competition to secure the sleeper: a slender 19in by 12in by 4ft 10 in (50cm x 31cm x 1.48m) mahogany hall bench. Consigned from a deceased estate with a £400-600 estimate and mis-catalogued as 19th century, a provincial dealer secured this quality 18th century entry at £5000. "In the last two months card tables have not been easy sellers," said Mr Stewart-Lockhart so he was happy to see a good pair of Edwardian period satinwood and marquetry Sheraton revival style card tables rewarded with £6200 (estimate £1800-2200) from a provincial dealer.
