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THE WATSON COLLECTION LOTS 1 - 248 Dr Norman Watson began collecting furniture in the spring of 1950 when he married; at that time he was working in hospital in Liverpool after serving as a Medical Officer in the RAF. It was the era of post-war utility furniture and he and his wife decided to make contact with a dealer in North Wales, Mr Vernon Gittins, from whom they purchased their first oak furniture, an appeal that was to last a lifetime. Right from the start Dr Watson kept detailed records of all purchases and a number of these very first purchases remain in the collection. It is interesting to note that in 1950 the Charles II chair (Lot 172) cost 18, the Elizabethan table (Lot 177) cost 18, the George II gateleg table (Lot 119) cost 35 and the George I press cupboard dated 1724 (Lot 186) cost 35. In 1953 the Watsons moved to Oxfordshire and Dr Watson joined a rural practice, serving the local community for the next 30 years. In 1960 they built a house in Sandford St Martin that was to remain their home for the next 50 years until now. They recreated a 17th century interior by installing old oak panelling, an oak staircase and old stone fireplaces. During the 1960's, 1970's and 1980's Dr Watson never stopped improving and enriching the collection and, like any collector, refining where necessary. His enthusiasm was specifically for the 16th and 17th century furniture and objects, for which he had a good eye for interesting detail and for the unusual, but also for selecting complimentary ceramics and textiles for colour and warmth, including tribal hangings, but also silver including early apostle spoons, clocks and carvings. He formed strong links with individual dealers over the decades, primarily Shirley Brown of Tredington, Near Shipston-upon-Stour, Mary Bellis of Hungerford, Summers Davies of Wallingford and William Stokes of Cirencester, as well as Brian MacDonald of Stowe-on-the-Wold for textiles, Gary Atkins in London for ceramics and A & B. Bloomstein Ltd. in London for silver. Having just turned 90 years of age, Dr Watson now feels it is time for others to enjoy the fruits of his collecting years that brought together this notable collection. THE ENTRANCE HALL

A CHARLES II GILTWOOD MIRROR

LATE 17TH CENTURY

Details

A CHARLES II GILTWOOD MIRROR
LATE 17TH CENTURY
With asymmetrical scrolling foliate and husk border
30 in. (76 cm.) high; 27 in. (68 cm.) wide

Special notice

This lot will be removed to an off-site warehouse at the close of business on the day of sale - 2 weeks free storage

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