The collection will be exclusively presented by renowned interior design firm Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler in its country house salerooms in Newbury and London and is jointly supported by JM Finn and Savills.
SIR WILLIAM WHITFIELD, CBE, who died in 2019 at the age of 98, was one of the most distinguished architects of his generation. Over his long career, he developed a design approach that combined contemporary progressive trends alongside great historic architectural tradition. His most notable projects include: Richmond House in Whitehall; the re-development of Paternoster Square; Hawksmoor’s architectural masterpiece, Christ Church, Spitalfields; and Tusmore Park, Oxfordshire, winner of the Georgian Group award in 2004.
In 1967, Sir William and his partner Andrew Lockwood saved St Helen Hall from demolition and over the course of the next four decades restored it to its former glory. This rare collection derives from their fascination, and deep knowledge, for the decorative arts and an impulse to buy and research what they loved. The result is a fusion of styles and an unmissable sale comprising of key items.
To celebrate this exceptional auction, Daniel Slowik, Associate Director of well-known interior design firm Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler, will present selected items from the sale in carefully designed room-sets. Daniel commented: “This is an exciting project working with a collection which reflects the style of a true aesthete with a level of taste and connoisseurship that is a rarity.”
To celebrate this sale, a drinks reception hosted by Dreweatts will include a panel discussion led by Country & Town House Interiors Editor Carole Annett and featuring Daniel Slowik of design firm Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler and architect Francis Terry as panellists.
The Pre-sale Exhibition runs at Dreweatt’s Donnington Priory, Newbury salerooms from the 3-9 March 2020 and the auction takes place at the same venue on 10-11 March 2020.
