Sworders

Sworders are an auction house based in Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex. They have a history dating back to 1782 when their Bishop’s Stortford-based forerunner started out in agriculture and property sales.

In 2008 Sworders moved to new purpose-built auction rooms and they also maintain a valuation office in Hertford.

The firm stages regular sales of antiques and collectables as well as other specialist events including dedicated modern art and design auctions and quarterly Country House sales.


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Early reproductions of French furniture now matching the price of original pieces

19 July 2021

The price gulf that once existed between good 18th century French furniture and very good late 19th century revivalism is no longer visible at auction. A quality reproduction can often outsell its period exemplar.

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Archaeological revival jewellery comes to summer auctions

28 June 2021

These two fine examples of archaeological revival gold jewellery come for sale in the regions in July.

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Photo journalism at forefront of new sale section

21 June 2021

Sworders’ next Design auction on July 13-14 is the first to include a dedicated section devoted to photography.

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Essex sale provides latest market test for Company School ornithological paintings

07 June 2021

Interest in the exquisitely detailed ornithological paintings produced by Indian artists from the late 18th to the mid-19th centuries has grown significantly over the last few decades.

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In the footsteps of Cedric Morris

07 June 2021

The 466-lot sale of the Sally Hunter and Ian Posgate collection at Sworders was a marathon event – taking over 10 hours in all.

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Design writer Fiona MacCarthy’s own collection sold in Essex auction

24 May 2021

Sworders' latest Design sale included a group of Arts & Crafts items from the estate of the design writer and biographer Fiona MacCarthy (1940-2020).

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Printing money: wall power and connoisseurship on a budget

10 May 2021

Modern prints can offer the chance to own interesting and eye-catching works, including those by well-known artists, without needing to invest large sums of money. This makes prints a viable option for collectors on a smaller budget as well as those just starting out.

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Traditional Asian art series takes place over a longer stretch this year

03 May 2021

Schedules for all sorts of auction series have been shaken up by pandemic restrictions, and the Asian art sales reflect this – but plenty is still on offer at the upcoming series

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Tudor connection chewed over

26 April 2021

Armorial head linked to the palaces of Henry VIII when he was married to Anne Boleyn.

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Renowned Pre-Raphaelite beauty caught on camera

26 April 2021

Original photographs of a well-known Pre-Raphaelite beauty – the muse of William Holman Hunt and the mother of Virginia Woolf and Vanessa Bell – sold for £2600 at Sworders (25% buyer’s premium).

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Grima and Omega – the About Time partnership

08 March 2021

At the peak of his fame in the 1969, the Anglo-Italian jewellery designer Andrew Grima was invited by Omega to create what would become the About Time collection.

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It’s a country house by Bawden, in Essex, but a puzzle otherwise

22 February 2021

Essex auction house Sworders is asking ATG readers to help identify the manor house, also in Essex, featured in this Edward Bawden (1903-89) watercolour.

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Timeless Archipenko and Gormley studies

22 February 2021

A drawing by Alexander Archipenko (1887-1964) will be among the lots on offer at Sworders’ sale of Modern British & 20th Century art on April 20.

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More Collingwood microgauze emerges

08 February 2021

Sworders (25% buyer’s premium) sold this 1980s ‘microgauze’ wall hanging by the British artist-weaver Peter Collingwood (1922-2008).

Cabinet and commode by Jules Leleu

Auction fireworks for Jules Leleu Art Deco furniture

01 February 2021

Sworders’ latest Design sale held live online included a collection of work by Jules Leleu (1883-1961).

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Works by Norwich School artists from single owner bring 'focused interest' at Sworders

01 February 2021

Rare auction appearance of market-fresh group of works by Norwich School artists such as Cotman and Chrome

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Milan sketch raises Richard Parkes Bonington auction reputation

01 February 2021

In the spring of 1826, artist Richard Parkes Bonington (1802-28) arrived in Milan with his companion and patron Charles Rivet.

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European picture highlights in Essex sale include a tranquil river and bustling Rome

01 February 2021

The two-day sale at Sworders at the end of last year included a couple of notable Continental works that drew considerable competition.

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New faces and hires in the art and antiques market in the UK and overseas

27 January 2021

An update of moves and other developments from across the art and antiques industry including at Bellmans and Sworders.

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Allan Ramsay portrait deemed ‘a Rolls-Royce of a painting’

25 January 2021

A rediscovered historical portrait by a major name can give a boost to any sale.

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