Tag Archives: Noel Coward

“Chinese Nell” and friends!

Queer British Art 1861-1967, Tate Britain, Millbank, London SW1, until 1st October 2017

Solomon, Simeon 1840-1905
Sappho and Erinna in a Garden at Mytilene
1864
Watercolour on paper
330 x 381 mm
Tate. Purchased 1980


I have thought long and hard about this exhibition which marks the fiftieth anniversary of the Sexual Offences Act legislation in 1967 which meant partial decriminalisation of male homosexuality in England and Wales.

Paul Tanqueray (1905-1991)
Douglas Byng
1934
Vintage bromide print
239 x 193 mm
National Portrait Gallery
© Estate of Paul Tanqueray

Well done Tate Britain for its partnership with this year’s London Pride (Pride in London at Tate Britain, 2pm to 10pm 24th June). Given what still goes on in countries such as Chechnya we must be grateful for the passing of the act.

David Hockney
Life Painting for a Diploma
1962
Yageo Foundation
© Yageo Foundation

However, I do wonder, although admittedly progress has been made, how much things have really changed in our own multi-cultural society?  We know how differing faiths do not accept homosexuality as being right or acceptable.  Many families, whatever their ethnic background, struggle to accept a member of their family being gay. Gay people get homophobic abuse or are physically attacked for no reason other than they are “different”, even my partner and I have been hissed at in Westminster’s Edgware Road.

Angus McBean (1904-1990)
Quentin Crisp
1941
Bromide print
National Portrait Gallery (London, UK)
© Estate of Angus McBean / National Portrait Gallery, London

I recently saw a production of La Cage aux Folles at the Wimbledon Theatre.  I think the real time to celebrate acceptance and inclusion will be when LGBT people can say/sing the words from the show –

I am what I am
And what I am needs no excuses

– And know they don’t have to look over their shoulder. Impossible, or could we all work harder towards it?

John Craxton
Head of a Greek Sailor
1940
Oil on board
330 x 305 mm
London Borough of Camden
© Estate of John Craxton. All rights reserved, DACS 2016. Photo credit: London Borough of Camden

Among the exhibits in this somewhat politically correct exhibition is a monogrammed dressing gown that belonged to Noel Coward.  He was friends of Ian Fleming and his wife Ann and they both had houses on Jamaica.  In one of her letters Ann writes that Noel is referred to as “Chinese Nell” on the island *.  Need I say more?

Out
Keith Vaughan
Drawing of two men kissing
1958–73
Tate Archive
© DACS, The Estate of Keith Vaughan

 

*The Letters of Ann Fleming by Ann Fleming, Mark Amory (Editor), Collins Harvill, 1985

 

 

tate.org.uk

A 30th Birthday!

The Decorative Antiques and Textiles Fair, Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park, London SW11, 29th September – 4th October 2015

The Moderns Sculptural Italian 1950's Book Case and Sideboard by Vittorio Dassi

The Moderns
Sculptural Italian 1950’s Book Case and Sideboard by Vittorio Dassi

It is hard to believe that these highly popular Fairs celebrate their thirtieth birthday with this Autumn edition.  One can understand why old and new customers are attracted to the more than one hundred and forty five exhibitors, drawn from the UK and Europe, as many display their pieces in room-like settings.  The wide-ranging choice of items dates from the 17th century to the present so there is surely something for everyone?

Santiago Ventura Real Rare George III silk-work panel, after a watercolour painting by Julius Ceasar Ibbetson, titled Skaters on the Serpentine, Hyde Park, circa 1790.

Santiago Ventura Real
Rare George III silk-work panel, after a watercolour painting by Julius Ceasar Ibbetson, titled Skaters on the Serpentine, Hyde Park, circa 1790.

 

http://www.decorativefair.com

Luke Honey A Fine Staunton ivory "Club" Chess Set by Jaques & Son, London, circa 1900-1910

Luke Honey
A Fine Staunton ivory “Club” Chess Set by Jaques & Son, London, circa 1900-1910

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trivette Silver and gold tiara c.1880 with natural pearls and diamonds, with original box.

Trivette
Silver and gold tiara c.1880 with natural pearls and diamonds, with original box.

 

Kate Thurlow Late 16th Century Italian Giltwood Reliquary Box

Kate Thurlow
Late 16th Century Italian Giltwood Reliquary Box

 

SAC & Co Ltd Sir Noel Coward 1899–1973 "Off-shore, Shoreham" signed oil on canvass board 23cm x 31.5cm Painted c1950.

SAC & Co Ltd
Sir Noel Coward 1899–1973
“Off-shore, Shoreham” signed oil on canvass board 23cm x 31.5cm Painted c1950.

Bonhams London: Highlights From The Estate of Lauren Bacall

INTERNATIONAL TOUR: Highlights From The Estate of Lauren Bacall, Bonhams, 101 New Bond Street, London W1, 15th – 19th February 2015

 

The immense living room was primarily a room for entertaining. In the far left corner is Humphrey Bogart’s wrought-iron and steel-inlaid slate games table, and to the left is the Mason & Hamlin ebonized grand piano where Bacall rehearsed for Broadway musicals. Guests, including Leonard Bernstein, would play at the piano during lively cocktail parties.

The immense living room was primarily a room for entertaining. In the far left corner is Humphrey Bogart’s wrought-iron and steel-inlaid slate games table, and to the left is the Mason & Hamlin ebonized grand piano where Bacall rehearsed for Broadway musicals. Guests, including Leonard Bernstein, would play at the piano during lively cocktail parties.

Bonhams’s Vice President and Director of Business Development Jon King said: ‘Bonhams is delighted to share with the public a rare insight into the world of Lauren Bacall, the accomplished collector. Her collection is a truly a reflection of her extraordinary taste and remarkable life.’

Marcel Vertès (Hungarian, 1895-1961) ‘Marcel Vertès Painting a Portrait of Lauren Bacall’ signed, inscribed and dated Madame Humphrey Bogart quand elle était Betty Bacall / Avec ma fidèle amitié Vertès / 1953 (lower left) blue pen and ink on paper 12 3/8 x 19 1/4in (31.4 x 48.8cm) US$1,000-1,500

Marcel Vertès (Hungarian, 1895-1961)
‘Marcel Vertès Painting a Portrait of Lauren Bacall’
signed, inscribed and dated Madame Humphrey Bogart quand elle était Betty Bacall / Avec ma fidèle amitié Vertès / 1953 (lower left)
blue pen and ink on paper
12 3/8 x 19 1/4in (31.4 x 48.8cm)
US$1,000-1,500

Now it is our turn here in London to see some of the highlights of the art, antiques and other works that have graced her three homes, especially her last one in New York’s famous Dakota building.

ROBERT GRAHAM (American, 1938-2008) Elisa, circa 1994 bronze with light brown patina on brass base height overall 58 5/8in (149cm) US$20,000-30,000

ROBERT GRAHAM (American, 1938-2008)
Elisa, circa 1994
bronze with light brown patina on brass base
height overall 58 5/8in (149cm)
US$20,000-30,000

Among the highlights are bronze maquettes by Henry Moore and bronzes by the famous American sculptor Robert Graham. Her art collection included prints and paintings by artists, including David Hockney, Jim Dine, Richard Avedon, Henry Moore and John James Audubon, Sir Noel Coward, Aaron Shikler, and Georges Wakhevitch.

An amethyst, turquoise and diamond ring Jean Schlumberger, French Centering an oval-cut amethyst measuring approximately 14.75 x 13.90 x 10.00mm, within a pavé-set foliate surround, extending turquoise beads, enhanced by circular-cut diamonds; signed Schlumberger, with French assay marks, maker's mark and signed box. amethyst weighs approximately 11 carats; estimated total diamond weight 1.55 carats; mounted in 18k gold and platinum; size 7 1/4 US$8,000-12,000

An amethyst, turquoise and diamond ring
Jean Schlumberger, French
Centering an oval-cut amethyst measuring approximately 14.75 x 13.90 x 10.00mm, within a pavé-set foliate surround, extending turquoise beads, enhanced by circular-cut diamonds; signed Schlumberger, with French assay marks, maker’s mark and signed box.
amethyst weighs approximately 11 carats; estimated total diamond weight 1.55 carats; mounted in 18k gold and platinum; size 7 1/4
US$8,000-12,000

On a more personal level are pieces of her jewellery, some of which was designed by the legendary Jean Schlumberger and a specially commissioned camel brooch by the celebrated English jeweller Elizabeth Gage.

DAVID HOCKNEY (British, born 1937) Two Pembroke Studio Chairs, from Moving Focus (MCA Tokyo 276; T. 264), 1984 Lithograph in colors on HMP handmade paper, signed in pencil, dated, and numbered 46/98 (there were also 10 artist's proofs), with the blindstamp of the publisher, Tyler Graphics, Ltd., Mount Kisco, New York, with full margins. 16 x 19in (40.6 x 48.2cm) sheet 18 7/8 x 22in (47.7 x 55.9cm) US$5,000-7,000

DAVID HOCKNEY (British, born 1937)
Two Pembroke Studio Chairs, from Moving Focus (MCA Tokyo 276; T. 264), 1984
Lithograph in colors on HMP handmade paper, signed in pencil, dated, and numbered 46/98 (there were also 10 artist’s proofs), with the blindstamp of the publisher, Tyler Graphics, Ltd., Mount Kisco, New York, with full margins.
16 x 19in (40.6 x 48.2cm)
sheet 18 7/8 x 22in (47.7 x 55.9cm)
US$5,000-7,000

Miss Bacall wrote of her meeting with Henry Moore at his studio in 1975 ‘It was and will be ever a high point of my life … [it was the] realization of a dream.’ I must admit to feeling something similar when I briefly met her a few years ago here in London.

HENRY MOORE O.M., C.H. (British, 1898-1986) Standing Man and Woman signed and numbered Moore 7/9 (on the reverse of the base) bronze with gold patina, cast in an edition of 9+1 in 1981 height 7 1/4in (18.5cm) US$40,000-60,000

HENRY MOORE O.M., C.H. (British, 1898-1986)
Standing Man and Woman
signed and numbered Moore 7/9 (on the reverse of the base)
bronze with gold patina, cast in an edition of 9+1 in 1981
height 7 1/4in (18.5cm)
US$40,000-60,000

 

Opening hours are 9am – 4.30pm, and admission is free.

 

The auction is at Bonhams New York on 31st March and 1st April.

 

http://www.bonhams.com