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Radiating fun and warmth, Chrissie Fernyhough blew into our shop on a bright early autumn morning in the mid 1980's, slipped off her shoes and looked around her with excitement and unbridled enthusiasm before exclaiming "this is what we're looking for, things with SOUL!" Recently married and in the course of refurbishing and decorating their historic Colonial house "Fairholm," overlooking Auckland harbour and the bay, John and Christine Fernyhough had come to London in search of furniture. Already established collectors and patrons of Contemporary Antipodean Art and supporters of Maori culture and traditional crafts, they were not inspired by the selection of traditional antiques available in New Zealand and did not feel that modern furniture would compliment their paintings. So they set off for London to start from scratch. By the time Chrissie found us they had been visiting London's top antique dealers for three full days and as she told me at the time, "I was beginning to feel a bit down hearted, you see sweet, we don't like our furniture to be too polite." Plans were produced of the house they had bought (and had moved 20 or so feet to one side in order to retain the spectacular view without having to fell any of the mature trees in the garden,) and we began to understand that the Fernyhoughs do things properly. Their attraction to and feeling for vernacular country pieces was spontaneous and uninhibited. At a time when old painted and crustily patinated surfaces, quirky and unusual forms and simple lines were not widely admired or understood, they followed the instinct and "eye" that seems to guide so many of the great pioneer collectors. They became loyal and enthusiastic clients of ours. Thrilled initially by form, colour or character of a piece they then wanted to learn of its history, function and origins. They read voraciously, visited galleries, museums, historic houses and antique shops wherever and whenever they travelled and rapidly acquired genuine knowledge and sensitivity for the subject. Fairholm, fully furnished and hung with their impressive collection of contemporary art was a testament to their taste and vision. At once warm and convivial it had an open breezy atmosphere which complimented their unique collection of furniture and Folk Art. They bought selectively from dealers they liked and whose pieces they believed had "integrity and spirit." Each item individually selected, hand picked for charm, authenticity and character, John and Chrissie collected with passion, intelligence and enormous fun. It was a wonderful time to share. The Fernyhough Collection has given much pleasure and now carries a proud provenance of its own. John and Chrissie and their family have become our special and cherished friends. Generous and enthusiastic they have shared their love of fine wine and food, vintage motor cars and motorcycles, travel, literature and music with us whenever we meet and time spent with the Fernyhoughs was always filled with joy and laughter. Sadly, John Fernyhough died after a long, brave and enormously dignified battle with illness early this year. Chrissie is moving to a smaller home from where she will doubtless continue to spread joy and warmth whilst she dedicates more of her time to her charities for the underpriviledged, educating children and supporting Maori culture, for which she has already been honoured by HM Queen Elizabeth II, and to her beloved family and "Granny Kids." The Fernyhough's have a habit of doing things properly. Robert Young May 2003

A North European wrought iron padlock

LATE 17TH CENTURY

Details

A North European wrought iron padlock
Late 17th century
Modelled in the form of a heart
10½in. (26.8cm.) high; 6in. (15.3cm.) wide

Special notice

VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price plus buyer's premium This lot is subject to Collection and Storage charges

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