Recent Acquisitions

Antique late 19th Century Chinese solid silver four piece tea and coffee service comprising a coffee pot, teapot, sugar jar and milk jar. Each piece is of matching form and highly decorated. The bodies are of rounded, bulbous shape with tapering necks, all richly chased in relief with prunus blossom and flowering branches across the exterior. The decoration is continuous around each piece and finished against a textured ground. All are raised on cast ‘bamboo leaf’ feet. The handles are formed as cast c-shaped dragons, with defined scales and heads, applied to the upper and lower terminals. The spouts on the coffee pot and teapot are modelled as segmented bamboo. The domed covers are similarly decorated with prunus blossom and surmounted by bamboo form finials.

Each piece hallmarked Chinese solid silver (900+ grade), Canton (modern day Guangzhou), Maker's mark WH (Wang Hing), Retailers mark "「和昌」"(He Chang). "90". 

Reference Number: A00130

A beautiful black leather "Joe" lounge chair by De Pas, D’Urbino, Lomazzi for Poltronova, covered in gorgeous soft black leather. While this is considered a chair, it is large enough to seat two in loveseat fashion or deep enough to sink into and enjoy similar to a chaise.

Designed in 1970, this leather "Joe" baseball glove chair is an early production example, by designers Jonathan de Pas, Donato D'Urbino, and Paolo Lomazzi who worked together since 1966 with a specific interest in creating furniture and temporary architecture with industrially advanced materials and technology. The 'Joe' chair is made with heavy duty steel frames and preformed polyurethane foam padding, the cover made from large amounts of very high quality soft leather.

Reference Number: B12043d

A rare set of Japanese naval bridge “big eye“ binoculars by Nikon manufactured during WWII by Tokyo Kogaku Kikai (Tokyo Optical Company). They have been expertly cleaned and hand polished. With a magnification of 20 (magnification) x 120 (aperture), and mounted on a telescopic cast steel stand, these exceptional binoculars display entirely original optics in a distinctly Japanese straight- body instrument.

Reference Number: B10122

Pair of brown leather armchairs, model Ventaglio (fan), by Lev & Lev, Italy, circa 1970. These sculptural armchairs take their name from the Italian word for “fan,” referencing the distinctive flared design of the seat and backrest which opens outward in a bold, inviting shape. Upholstered in supple brown leather with deep channel tufting, the chairs combine comfort with a strong sense of 1970s Italian style.

Lev & Lev was known for producing high-quality furniture that pushed the boundaries of form while maintaining a focus on material and finish. This pair exemplifies the studio’s flair for creating pieces that are both functional and visually striking, perfect for a modern or eclectic interior.

Reference Number: B11486

A beautiful “Soriana“ leather sofa by Tobia Scarpa for Cassina, made in Italy around the latter part of the 20th century. Finished in a very rare cognac colour leather, it is lovely way to bring colour and elegance to any interior setting, working well with any room. An easy and practical way of bringing mid-century design chic to a home.

Reference Number: B10142d

A 21st Century 24 carat gold plated solid silver Ayrton Senna statue, weighing an impressive 3.3 kilos, commissioned by his family to mark the 20th anniversary of his passing in 2014. It was created by the Brazilian artist Iguti, known for producing racing memorabilia over several decades. The figure features the Marlboro sponsorship on Senna’s overalls and was issued as a strictly one off production. Approved by his mother, Dona Neide, the statue served as an official trophy at selected racing events across Europe and South America.

Rubens Barrichello, Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel were each presented with an example and were visibly moved upon receiving it. TV Globo famously awarded one to Hamilton ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix; footage of the presentation remains widely shared online. This piece stands as a tribute to the life, career and legacy of one of Brazil’s most celebrated sportsmen and a driver many still regard as the greatest in Formula One history. It is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, a certificate confirming the gold plating, and a fitted wooden box signed by the artist. An exceptional acquisition for any serious Formula One or Ayrton Senna collector.

Reference Number: C11908

Antique 19th Century Victorian pair of verdigris patinated bronze Trafalgar lions, recumbent on ogee stepped rectangular plinths. Boldly modelled and well preserved, these are visually commanding pieces with real weight and presence.

Reference Number: A00160

A whimsical and highly decorative umbrella stand by Fornasetti, Italy, dating to the late 20th century. The design features a charming trompe-l’œil stack of richly bound books with a grey cat perched on top, its paws and tail playfully integrated into the composition.

Executed with Fornasetti’s signature attention to detail and narrative imagery, this piece is both practical and sculptural. A statement addition to any hallway or interior space.

Reference Number: B12029

A spectacular palm tree floor lamp designed by Christian Techoueyres for Maison Jansen, France, circa 1970s. This iconic sculptural piece embodies the glamour and theatricality associated with Maison Jansen’s high-style interiors.

The lamp is formed as a stylised palm tree, with a textured trunk rising from a square black planter-style base framed in brass. The canopy is composed of layered, hand-cut and shaped brass fronds, arranged in dramatic tiers to create a full and opulent crown. When illuminated, the concealed light sources within the foliage produce a warm, golden glow that filters through the overlapping leaves, enhancing the depth and richness of the gilt surface.

Christian Techoueyres collaborated with Maison Jansen during the 1970s, producing bold, sculptural lighting that reflected the house’s signature blend of classicism and Hollywood Regency glamour. Maison Jansen, founded in Paris in 1880, was one of the most prestigious decorating firms of the 20th century, renowned for furnishing palaces, embassies, and elite private residences worldwide.

This palm lamp is a striking statement piece, both functional lighting and decorative sculpture, perfectly suited to sophisticated interiors.

Reference Number: B12013

An exceptional pair of Cary’s 12-inch terrestrial and celestial globes, published in 1821, and raised on elegant mahogany stands. Produced by the renowned London cartographers Cary, these globes represent the height of early 19th-century English scientific craftsmanship and decorative refinement.

Each 12-inch sphere is mounted within a brass meridian and set into a circular horizon ring applied with printed calendar and zodiac scales. The globes are supported on finely turned mahogany columns terminating in tripod bases, united by stretchers centred with inset magnetic compasses. The terrestrial globe details the known geography of the period, while the celestial globe is richly engraved with constellations and astronomical figures typical of the era.

This distinguished pair is reputedly from the collection of Lord Bamford, further enhancing their provenance and desirability. Decorative yet scholarly, they make a superb statement in both traditional and contemporary interiors.

Reference Number: B12022

One of the rarest Mid Century design sofas, the “Anfibio” sofa bed was a design by Alessandro Becchi for Giovannetti Collezioni in 1972. The Anfibio is a cult item of its genre. It combines aesthetics with practicality; with a few simple manoeuvres it can be transformed from comfortable sofa to a full sized double bed. This particular example is in superb condition considering its age.

The vast majority of these sofas that are available to buy have been reupholstered but this example almost certainly dating to the late 1970s / early 1980s is still in its original red leather upholstery. The Anfibio is a wonderful conversation piece, an icon of pop-art design and can be seen at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Reference Number: B12040

A rare and impressive life-size wooden artist’s lay figure, French, dating to the second half of the 19th century. Beautifully carved with well-defined anatomical form, the figure features articulated limbs and notably detailed, fully articulated index fingers (an unusual and highly desirable feature).

Reference Number: B12023

A fine pair of Victorian hobnail cut crystal decanters, complete with their original fitted wooden presentation box and key. Dating to the 19th century, each decanter is richly cut with an all-over hobnail pattern, creating a striking textured surface that beautifully refracts the light.

Both decanters retain their original faceted crystal stoppers, complementing the crisp geometric cutting of the bodies. The accompanying original box is crafted in figured wood with contrasting lighter wood stringing and edging, and fitted with period hardware. The interior is lined and designed to securely house the decanters. The presence of the original key further enhances the rarity and desirability of the set.

An elegant and increasingly scarce complete Victorian set, ideal for display or refined entertaining.

Reference Number: B12030

Antique 19th Century French pair of Baccarat ormolu mounted cut glass vases with enamelled gold inclusions ‘The Jokelson Vases’. The cut glass vases are of circular baluster form, each made in three sections connected by two chased gilt bronze mounts. The body of each vase has deep diamond cutting and to the front an oval lens shaped reserve embellished with an enamelled gold inclusion depicting a naturalistic bouquet comprising, amongst other flowers, roses, tulips, pansies, convolvulous and asters.

The vases have a waisted neck cut with panels which opens to an everted rim cut with fine fluting. The vases stand on fluted socles resting on square stepped bases. These well known vases were the crowning glory of Paul Jokelson’s celebrated collection of paperweights and paperweight associated glass. They represent the highest achievement of this genre of glass manufacture and as such were on loan to The Corning Museum of Glass from 1995 to 2001.

Reference Number: NS11567

Ayrton Senna’s final helmet design marks the beginning of his partnership with Williams-Renault,  a combination widely expected to define the 1990s and further cement his position at the very summit of Formula One. Many believed he was poised to secure a fourth world title in 1994, with further championships likely to follow, potentially surpassing future records. Even Michael Schumacher acknowledged after Adelaide 1994 the significance of their rivalry and the scale of the challenge Senna represented. This helmet stands as a tribute to the legendary status Senna attained,  a reputation that grew immeasurably following his tragic death at Imola in 1994. From that moment, his influence extended far beyond statistics. His intensity, conviction and rare magnetism left an imprint on the sport that remains unmatched, and perhaps unrepeatable.

Produced by Sid Mosca, the helmet is presented in its original box, mounted on a commemorative black base with an acrylic cover, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity corresponding to the edition number on the reverse. Notably, it retains the correct beige velvet interior, faithful to the 1994 race-used specification,  unlike many examples on the market fitted with a black lining. Thirty-one years on, this remains an essential acquisition for the serious motor racing collector.

Reference Number: C11727

A superb example of an early 20th century Goyard hat trunk, beautifully finished in the brand’s iconic chevron canvas. This unusually sized trunk is in very good condition and evokes the elegance and refinement of first-class travel during the golden age of passenger ships. The trunk’s distinctive design, with its structured form, leather trim, and brass fittings, not only ensured the safe transport of prized hats but also reflected the luxurious lifestyle of its original owners.

Its proportions make it a striking statement piece, perfect for use as a display item, side table, or standalone accent in both modern and traditional interiors. This trunk is as much a historical artefact as it is a functional piece, offering a tangible connection to a bygone era of sophistication and travel glamour.

Reference Number: B12018d

A 20th Century British showroom display bronze of the legendary Rolls-Royce mascot which was designed by Charles Sykes R.A, the dark patinated bronze sculpture is set on a shaped marble plinth. Signed by the artist Charles Sykes No.13, - later cast. The Spirit of Ecstasy, also called Eleanor, Silver Lady, or Flying Lady, was designed by Sykes, a graduate of London's Royal College of Art, and carries with it a story about secret passion between Montagu, second Baron Montagu of Beaulieu after 1905, a pioneer of the automobile movement, and editor of The Car Illustrated magazine from 1902, and the model for the emblem, Eleanor Velasco Thornton.

Reference Number: A00091