Situated in Stockwell Street, one of the oldest roads in the area, it was frequented over its 300-year history by many well-known Londoners, from actors, architects and artists to comedians, magicians and musicians.
In 1964, the pub was bought by the Moy family, who also managed an art gallery and antique business in the adjoining buildings. Their eye and enthusiasm for art and local history spilled over into The Spread Eagle, where they filled the walls with oil paintings, watercolours and antique prints of local subjects.
When the family sold up in 2005, the new owners added to the art collection, buying from auctions in London.
Now 132 lots from this combined assemblage will go under the hammer in a single-owner sale at Gorringes in Lewes, East Sussex, on July 4.
Among the highlights is a 16 x 19½in (41 x 50cm) oil on canvas, attributed to George Samuel (f.1785-1823) depicting Greenwich Hospital and The Queen’s House from Greenwich Park. Thought to date c.1816, it is estimated at £7000-10,000.
