- 78
W.B. Simpson & Son
Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- A fire surround
some tiles moulded 'ART TILES PAINTED BY W.B. SIMPSON & SON 456 WEST STRAND'
- 141cm. high by 215cm. wide by 33cm. deep;
- 4ft 7½in., 7ft ¾in., 1ft 1in.
mahogany and glazed tiles, the rectangular top above dentil moulding, the reeded panels centred by tiles depicting animals and children at play
Condition
An unusual piece. Correct measurements are 252 cm high by 215 cm wide by 33 cm deep. Overmantle with guilt paper panels, some cracked and lifting, and some probably restored (centre). Two tiles with painted maker's monogram. A number of old marks and scratches generally. Some minor losses and cracking to the gilding. Top with some scraping to the finish and several drilled holes. Lower left moulding with a repaired crack. Surface dirt overall. Upper gallery with some splattered paint drops. Possibly repolished. Would benefit from cleaning and minor restoration to the finish. Nevertheless an attractive example.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
The firm of W.B. Simpson & Sons was founded in 1833 and remains in business today. In 1858 the company made an arrangement with George and Arthur Maw, of the tile manufacturers Maw & Co., to be the sole agents of their products in the London Postal District, and by 1862 the many new features in the tiles included printed patterns, decorative faience on architectural lines and coloured enamel tiles for particular use on fireplaces. A pair of fireplace panels could sell for up to 30 guineas a pair. The tiles here seen were probably designed by Walter Crane before 1868, when the company left its premises at 456 West Strand.