Roseberys presents a single owner sale of interiors from a Cotswolds manor house decorated by Sibyl Colefax and John Fowler. It will go under the hammer on Thursday 26 March with a high estimate of £179,780.

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The contents of the manor were an interior design project of Roger Jones, a Director of Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler, combining the elegance of the English country house tradition with a contemporary collecting approach.

Roger Jones

Director, Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler

“Advising on the decoration and furnishing of this lovely old house in a spectacular rural setting in the Cotswolds was a fascinating project for me,” says Jones.

A selection of cushions by Robert Kime Ltd and other makers

Reflecting the design philosophy of Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler, as well as Jones’ vision, the auction brings together a carefully curated selection of furnishings and interior decor, including textiles designed by Colefax and Fowler, antique rugs, as well as soft furnishings by the late Robert Kime. Further categories include Chinese works of art, modern and contemporary pictures and old master paintings.

Jones’ clients were a young family, based in London, whom he describes as “artistically aware and with a collection of modern pictures.”

“The challenge was to create a harmonious interior out of rooms of very different sizes and diverse character, suitable for family life and not stuffy in any way.” says Jones. “The clients’ pictures set the tone, and I used furniture they already owned, as well as other pieces I found or had specially made for the project.” He would later decorate a London property for the same family.

A chair in the manner of Robert Manwaring, upholstered by Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler, with a Chinese lacquer cabinet and crystal and gilt table lamps by Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler

Synonymous with refined and classically English interiors, Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler is celebrated for its use of trailing florals, stripes and elegant jacquards in a restrained palette. The firm was founded in the 1930s by Sibyl, Lady Colefax, a prominent London society decorator and later joined by John Fowler, whose work helped define the English country house style of the mid-twentieth century.

Over the decades, Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler has been entrusted with significant commissions, ranging from the Royal Household at Buckingham Palace to some of Britain’s most important institutions including the Bank of England and the Prime Minister’s country residence at Chequers.

Anna Evans

Head of Fine & Decorative at Roseberys

“Sibyl Colefax and John Fowler are synonymous with the very best of British design and this single owner collection offers collectors, decorators and designers the opportunity to acquire well-provenanced, highly distinct pieces.”

Anna Evans’ Highlights

“Thorpe’s wooden screen, combining painted glass panels with metallic legs, introduces colour and sculptural presence while offering an elegant way to define space within an interior.”

“The vibrant red lacquer gives this Chinese cabinet an immediate presence within a room. Decorators such as Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler often used pieces like this to introduce colour while creating a striking dialogue between Chinese craftsmanship and English country house interiors.”

“These ‘Crystal and Gilt’ lamps combine faceted crystal stems with warm brass bases in an understated design that reflects the refinement associated with Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler interiors. Topped with pleated shades by Robert Kime Ltd., they bring an elegant decorative light well suited to the English country house aesthetic.”

“The vibrant patchwork upholstery gives this large ottoman a lively, modern character. Designed by Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler, it demonstrates how traditional textiles can be reimagined to introduce colour and texture within classic English interiors.”

“Designed by Roger Jones for Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler, this very large woven rattan carpet combines natural texture with the timeless geometry of the Greek key motif. Its generous scale and subtle pattern bring both structure and warmth to an interior.”

“Combining Ikat, Indian embroidery and Thai silk, this colourful group of cushions by Robert Kime introduces texture and pattern in abundance, highlighting Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler’s relaxed, layered approach to decoration that defines many English country interiors.”

“These walnut fauteuils demonstrate Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler’s distinctive tradition for pairing antique furniture with fresh decorative fabrics. The lively upholstery brings movement and modern character to the elegant British eighteenth century forms.”

“Created in 1960, this lithograph from Braque’s Le Tir à l’Arc series reflects the quiet lyricism of the artist’s later work. The hors commerce impression makes it an especially rare example for collectors of twentieth century modern prints.”

Works to consign?

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