Thursday 7 December 2023
Lots 305-367- Property of the Late Reverend John Watson Attributed to Sir Hamo Thorneycroft RA,...
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Description
Lots 305-367- Property of the Late Reverend John Watson
Attributed to Sir Hamo Thorneycroft RA, British, 1850-1925, a plaster bust of a lady, probably his wife Agatha, née Cox, unsigned, 64cm high
Provenance: Philips Son and Neale, Bath, The Contents of Heytesbury House, Wiltshire, home of World War I poet Siegfried Sassoon, 31 October 1994.
The Property of the Late Reverend John Watson.
Lot Footnotes
Note: A memory of Reverend John Watson (1929-2019) from Ted Few:
I first met John Watson at the Olympia Winter Antiques Fair in 1994. I was wondering how to make my wares more appealing to the disappointing trickle of visitors when I became aware of a pensive, engaged man making a thorough examination of the stand before settling on a patinated plaster bust of a woman by Hamo Thornycroft which had come from the collection of Siegfried Sassoon at Heytesbury House. After a while we exchanged a few words and then he took his leave.
The next afternoon he returned, had another cursory look at the rest of the stand, and then began to ask me very informed questions about the bust. I couldn't make him out. Was he an academic? He certainly knew his stuff. A prospective purchaser? His attire gave nothing away. He seemed slightly unworldly - not remotely acquisitive. And then once again he thanked me and left.
When he returned the following day I thought he was frankly either mad or deadly serious, but as he handed me a cheque my curiosity was assuaged. Thus began a relationship which lasted a quarter of a century and grew in scope and interest. He had, in that first interaction, demonstrated so many of his essential characteristics. He was quiet, thoughtful, thorough, curious, enthusiastic, prudent, unassuming and educated; a man of enormous integrity and kindness with a sense of humour to boot. I learned that during his ministry he had bought pictures and sculpture from several of the top West End dealers but when he retired he was free to indulge his passion far more widely, buying initially from dealers, then additionally at auction and latterly extending his sphere of interest to global Works of Art, and even Modernism. He had an inbuilt radar which steered him towards the unusual, and a natural attraction for works of the finest quality, not to mention a nose for anything secondary or specious. And his passion for the New Sculpture Movement exemplified these preferences.
It is a privilege to have been invited to advise his family and a pleasure to be working with Roseberys once again, dispersing the unique collection of a much missed collector and friend via a favourite saleroom which espouses so many of his values.
Fees & VAT
Buyer's Premium
The buyer shall pay the hammer price together with a premium thereon of 26% up to £20,000 (31.2% inclusive of VAT), 25% from £20,001 - £500,000 (30% inclusive of VAT), 20% from £500,001 thereafter (24% inclusive of VAT). The premium price is subject to VAT at the standard rate.
VAT
VAT is not charged on the hammer price unless it is stated that there is 'VAT applicable on the hammer price at the end of the description. Buyer's premium is subject to VAT.(ARR) - ARTIST'S RESALE RIGHT
Qualifying living artists and the descendants of artists deceased within the last 70 years are entitled to receive a re-sale royalty each time their work is bought through an auction house or art market professional.
It applies to lots with hammer value over £1,000 as follows:
0 to £50,000 - 4%
£50,000.01 to £200,000 - 3%
£200,000.01 to £350,000 - 1%
£350,000.01 to £500,000 - 0.5%
Exceeding £500,000 - 0.25%
ARR is capped at £12,500
Please note ARR is calculated in euros. Auctioneers will apply current exchange rates.
Export of goods
Buyers intending to export goods should ascertain whether an export licence is required before bidding. Export licences are issued by Arts Council England and application forms can be obtained from its Export Licensing Unit. Details can be found on the ACE website www.artscouncil.org.uk or by phoning ACE on 020 7973 5188. The need for import licences varies from country to country and you should acquaint yourself with all relevant local requirements and provisions before bidding. The refusal of any such licences shall not permit the cancelling of any sale nor allow any delay in making full payment for the lot.
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