Christie’s is delighted to present The Robin and Rupert Hambro Collection this June in London. The collection assembled by Robin and Rupert Hambro—at Ebury Street, Copse Farm and in Saint-Rémy in Provence—is a perfect self-portrait, weaving together all the rich strands of their dynamic and creative life together.
Their London home on Ebury Street was a hidden architectural gem: an early Georgian ‘country house’ in Mozart’s terrace, published in Architectural Digest in 1995, whose restrained façade belied the unique, bold and vibrant artistic vision within. In the 1960s in New York and then in London, Robin Hambro worked at Vogue, and the fashion editor’s eye is evident everywhere—both in how the works were juxtaposed, as well as how old favourites were given new life in renewed arrangements. There was an abiding love and loyalty to ‘old friends’ like painted furniture—she herself painted a collection for the celebrated French house of Jansen—and the wonderful group of Old Master drawings, which appeared in different incarnations at every move. There was also an Anglo-American ‘Nancy Lancaster’ inspired taste for blue and white porcelain and especially dogs, painted by everyone from de Dreux to Desportes, with Pekineses the overwhelming favourites.
Robin's profound knowledge of the art world and the act of creation as a painter led her to constantly refresh the collection and take it in an increasingly 20th-century Modernist direction. Modern British Art, including works by David Hockney, Ivon Hitchens and Craigie Aitchison, filled Ebury Street with vibrant colour. Sculpture became a particular focus, including important works by the female artists Barbara Hepworth and Emily Young, the latter commanding the focal point of the water garden at Copse Farm, alongside works by Antony Gormley and Sir Christopher Le Brun; whilst two playful Singes by François-Xavier Lalanne adorned the mantelpiece in London. The jewellery designer’s understanding of line and craftsmanship—she designed, created and sold a jewellery collection for Hennells of Bond Street—was also evident in her personal choice of jewels.
Their Collection bears witness to two extraordinary people — and celebrates their life-enhancing legacy.
