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Aubreys Auctioneers have been instructed to sell the contents of The Cottage, St. John's Wood, London. This charming 1920s cottage is nestled within the affluent district of St John’s Wood in northwest London. Home to famous landmarks such as Lord’s Cricket Ground and the iconic Abbey Road studios, the area is renowned for its beautiful homes, and over the centuries has attracted like likes of famous artists, philosophers and musicians.
The delightful, detached cottage has been home to the vendor, a celebrity hairdresser and his wife for the last 50 years. Over the decades, they have curated a beautiful collection of exquisite items, including decorative arts, paintings, ceramics and glass, embodying a lifetime of taste and refinement.
Some of the highlights of the collection include an extraordinary piece of contemporary art history, the "America" Triptych by Robert Mapplethorpe (American, 1946–1989). This set of three lithographs, printed in rich colours on woven paper, bears the signature of Michael Ward Stout, Executor of the Mapplethorpe Estate. Created in 1988, and acquired at Sothebys, this set is one of just ten artist’s proof editions, set aside from the numbered series of 40, making it an exceptionally rare and exciting acquisition.
Another highlight is a coastal landscape from the Royal Academy 1973 exhibition, painted by Adrian Ryan (British, 1920-1998), who studied at Slade School of Fine Art and taught at Goldsmiths’ College School of Art. As well as appearing in various mixed shows, including the Royal Academy, he had several one-man shows, starting with the first of a series at Redfern Gallery in 1943. Later solo exhibitions included University of West Virginia in 1978, Gallery 10 in 1980, another with the National Trust, 1994, and in 1996 a solo show at Eton College, which he had attended.
Viewing runs from the 25th to the 27th November at our Surrey Saleroom and the auction will be held on Thursday 28th November. Each piece in the collection reflects the refined sensibilities of its owners and offers a unique glimpse into the distinguished history of this remarkable home for the next generation of collectors.
To explore this collection further, view the catalogue at the link below.
