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Lot Essay
Geoffrey Blackwell, O.B.E. (1884-1943) was one of Symonds' main collectors of the generation after Percival Griffiths, F.S.A. (d. 1938). His collection was unusual in combining modern British pictures and Georgian furniture, with which he furnished his Berkhamsted house. Blackwell's furniture formed the subject of two articles by Symonds in Apollo in 1936. Symonds was behind the formation of several other prominent collections such as those formed by J. S. Sykes, James Thursby-Pelham, E. B. Moller and Frederick Poke and often acted as intermediary between collectors when they decide to 'refine' their collections. One Blackwell family story goes that one of Blackwell's sons was out fox-hunting with the Whaddon when Griffiths was killed. He immediately informed his father who leapt out of the bath and contacted Symonds to see which pieces would be available. A group of furniture from Blackwell's collection was sold by a member of the Blackwell family, Christie's, London, 9 July 1992, lots 137-146.
A tripod table with 'piecrust' top and similar base that had once belonged to Percival Griffiths and then Geoffrey Blackwell, was sold by a descendant of Blackwell's, Christie's, London, 14 June 2001, lot 35 (£135,750).
A tripod table with 'piecrust' top and similar base that had once belonged to Percival Griffiths and then Geoffrey Blackwell, was sold by a descendant of Blackwell's, Christie's, London, 14 June 2001, lot 35 (£135,750).