Decorative Arts

The Decorative Arts and Modern Design departments hold three specialist auctions a year under the title of Design Since 1860.

Decorative Arts includes works from the Aesthetic and Arts & Crafts Movements, the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods, and 20^th Century Studio Pottery.  The focus is on Good Design in works of glass, ceramic, metalware, sculpture, jewellery, lighting, rugs, textiles and furniture.

Represented are pioneers of design from the late 19th Century and early 20th Century;  William Morris, Dr Christopher Dresser, C.F.A. Voysey, C.R. Ashbee, and Charles Reniee Mackintosh included.  Bridging both Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau, Omar Ramsden is one of the most recognised names in silverware.

From the Arts and Crafts Movement, Ernest Gimson, the Barnsleys and Robert Thompson of Kilburn (Mouseman), with their own particular styles, continue to be popular. The designs of Archibald Knox commissioned by Liberty & Co. have enduring appeal.

From the Art Nouveau period, designers such as Gallé, Daum and René Lalique, Moser and the Wiener Werkstätte, Majorelle, Loetz and Tiffany are some of the most sought after. The furniture of Carlo Bugatti is highly desirable for its unique extravagant style.

From the Art Deco period works offered include Schneider, Buthaud, Hagenauer, Lorenzl, and Bruno Zach to name but a few.  Travel and advertising posters from this era are also very popular.

Ceramics of the late 19th & early 20th centuries include Martin Brothers, De Morgan, Theodore Deck, Goldscheider, Zsolnay, Pilkington and Clarice Cliff.  Wedgwood-produced works by designers such as Daisy Makeig-Jones and Eric Ravilious are also featured.

The department offers specific expertise in Studio Ceramics, ranging from the early pioneers of Leach and Cardew through to the mid-century and later potters Lucie Rie, Hans Coper, John Ward, Colin Pearson, Rupert Spira, John Maltby and others.  Lesser-known potters are represented offering a chance to own decorative hand-crafted works at a more affordable price point.