THE FREDERICK JOACHIM COLLECTION OF PORTRAIT MINIATURES,
PART II
Freddy Joachim developed an interest in portrait miniatures in the early 1960s. He was still a theatrical agent at this time, but beginning to contemplate retirement. Encouraged by his assistant Pat Grigg, he bought a silhouette which they had both admired in a shop window and this was to prove the start of his collecting career. The purchase of more silhouettes and books about them, led him to the portrait miniatures which were to become the love of his life.
By now fully retired, he could devote his time and considerable energy, to a hobby that enchanted him. He combed the South of England in his ancient Daimler delighting in (almost) each new acquisition, enjoying both the hunt and the sharing of his pleasure with fellow enthusiasts.
Pat died tragically early and Freddy recruited a former assistant, Joan Foster to his side who had left his company when she married. Mrs Foster became his companion on visits to the salerooms and at his flat when he entertained. His enthusiasm was unbounded and an invitation to spend an afternoon at Portland Place would often be prolonged until after midnight. Freddy was a generous host and after the miniatures had been returned to the safe, tea and biscuits or a cold supper were always enjoyed.
Freddy was now in his eighties and having given up driving, he concentrated on haunts nearer home and became a regular Saturday visitor to the Portobello Road. On one occasion as he was buying some melons, he met Robert Bayne-Powell, a fellow collector. "Don't worry" he told Bayne-Powell, "they're all signed and dated". Freddy would be happy to know that others may now share in the joy he had found in collecting miniatures.
Christie's
Details
Christie's
A collection of 44 auction catalogues of Objects of Vertu and Miniatures, February 1980 - July 1993 (44)
A collection of 44 auction catalogues of Objects of Vertu and Miniatures, February 1980 - July 1993 (44)