Ashwell Lodge, set in the heart of the Cottesmore countryside, was for over forty years the home of the Late Lt. Colonel and Mrs Stephen Eve. Their love of, and involvement with horses, the Hunt and country life can clearly be seen in their collection of paintings, particularly in Lot 266, "The Meet of The Cottesmore Hunt" by Lionel Edwards which includes their portraits among the riders gathered at the start of a day's hunting.
Colonel Eve was a regular Army Officer, serving with the 4th Hussars before, during and after the War, eventually commanding the Regiment. On his retirement from the Army in 1955, he and his wife came to live and farm at Ashwell where they immersed themselves in local life serving the County of Rutland in various capacities, culminating in 1967 with his appointment as Deputy Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff of the County.
A particular passion of Mrs Eve's was horse-racing, an interest that she had inherited from her father. Mr J. V. Rank, whose brother J. Arthur Rank founded the film distribution company, was a well-known racing figure before the War owning amongst other horses, "Epigram", see Lot 272 and "Southern Hero", see Lot 273.
The Eve's shared interest in gardening inspired them to commission Percy Cane in the 1960s to redesign the gardens at Ashwell, the results of which have been enjoyed each April for many years by visitors through the National Garden Scheme. Visitors to the sale will have the opportinity to view the gardens in their full splendour at the height of the summer.
MONDAY 1ST JULY 1996
MORNING SESSION
AT 10.30
CARPETS AND RUGS
A Bokhara rug
Details
A Bokhara rug
The red field with three columns of ivory floral guls in a sunburst octagon border between floral stripes, a serrated lozenge skirt at each end
5ft. 5in. x 4ft. 5in.(165cm. x 135cm.)
The red field with three columns of ivory floral guls in a sunburst octagon border between floral stripes, a serrated lozenge skirt at each end
5ft. 5in. x 4ft. 5in.(165cm. x 135cm.)