Sotheby’s is offering a wide selection of property from the private collection of The 2nd Countess Mountbatten of Burma, at its London auction house on 24th March 2021.
This unique sale comprises over 350 lots spanning Jewellery, Furniture, Paintings, Sculpture, Books, Silver, Ceramics & Objets d’Art, from Newhouse, the 18th-century Kent manor that Lady Patricia and her husband, John Knatchbull, 7th Baron Brabourne, called home until her death in 2017.
Through each lot, viewers and visitors will have the opportunity to enter the world of an important family through the art and objects that they lived with, crossing the paths of the twentieth century’s leading figures along the way.
Harry Dalmeny, Sotheby’s Chairman, UK & Ireland, said: “Lady Mountbatten’s residence, Newhouse was a private place for entertaining only the closest of family and friends, capturing all the magic of a stately home on an intimate scale. Through her belongings, many passed down from members of the extended family over the years, collectors have the chance to see the story of the twentieth century unfold and acquire evocative vestiges of a glittering way of life.”
Patricia’s mother, Edwina Mountbatten, was one of the best dressed women in the world, revered for her style, and owned a renowned collection of jewels, decorations and tiaras. She was known to always travel with her jewels, stating that she never knew when she might be called upon to wear them. Highlights include;
‘Tutti Frutti’ style Jewels: A gem set and diamond wreath of carved rubies, emeralds and sapphires (est. £40,000-60,000) together with other Tutti Frutti style pieces including, dress clips, earrings and a ring.
Edwina had a particular penchant for Art Deco “Tutti Frutti” jewels, which took inspiration from Indian cut-coloured gems, and so held a special resonance for the Countess. In 1928, she purchased a Tutti Frutti tiara from Cartier, which until recently was on loan to the Victoria and Albert museum, immortalised in a photograph by Cecil Beaton. These exquisite pieces from Patricia’s collection, some of which were inherited from her mother, are the perfect pairing to the famous tiara.
Edwina’s Evening Bag: An unusual and amusing gem-set gold mesh purse by Lacloche Frères, Paris, circa 1905 (est. £2,000-3,000). This extraordinary handbag comes in the form of a large pig, its spine, tail and trotters set with diamonds. The Mountbatten family loved animals and had a veritable menagerie of pets wherever they lived.
The Banks Diamond: A historic jewel passed down through the Knatchbull Baronets which commemorates Sir Joseph Banks (est. £40,000-60,000). A scientist, explorer and botanist, Sir Joseph Banks joined Captain James Cook on his voyage to the Pacific as part of the Royal Society’s expedition, collecting thousands of plant specimens previously unknown in Europe.
For more information and to view this unique family collection please visit Sotheby’s.
Smith Greenfield can provide specialist insurance for precious items including jewellery. A number of these policies offer insurance cover without restrictive clauses, giving our clients peace of mind when they travel with their jewellery.
Smith Greenfield also recommends regular valuations for jewellery, to make sure each piece is appropriately covered. Specialist insurance policies can offer like for like replacement cover, so it’s important that valuations are accurate. Doerr Dallas Valuations has guidance for clients seeking valuations.
If you would like to discuss specialist insurance for your jewellery, please contact our premier client adviser, Imran Moideen at imran.moideen@smithgreenfield.co.uk or telephone 020 8603 3730
Photo: An unusual and amusing gem-set gold mesh purse by Lacloche Frères, Paris, circa 1905. Sotheby’s