Main Index > News & Features > Auction Fever > Sotheby’s: The Viewing
 

Part 3 - The Viewing Peggy's Report, Sep 2005

Welcome to Sotheby’s Olympia. The minute you walk in the joint, you can see it’s a classy place. Spacious, smart and well designed. The famous auctioneers own a large area on the second floor at Olympia, the exhibition and conference centre. There is plenty of parking and a tube station.

The gentleman on ground floor reception was bright, friendly and helpful, and this set the tone for the viewing. The big lift is designed for furniture as well as people. The lady on the welcome desk was also very helpful.

Security was discrete, with staff keeping a watchful eye over the gleaming antiques. Lot 358 for example, a cut glass and gilt bronze table set (not DSB’s), is valued at £15,000-20,000. My nose was pressed up against the window pane for that one.

It was easy to spot Shirley’s stuff. The leopard skin chairs (lot 412) were a giveaway. All her items are of exquisite quality, and bigger than expected. Including lot 420, an ornate mirror, measuring 244cm tall. In old money that’s eight feet. The desk (lot 415) is five feet wide.

I’ll let the photos do the talking. The auction is on Wednesday. A member of staff told me that it is “unlikely” that DSB will be there. She’s been in London this week, so who knows? That would be a bonus, but nobody’s banking on it. The event itself is interesting enough, and well worth seeing. Antiques are expensive but generally keep or increase their value, and you have the benefit of enjoying them.

Roll your mouse over each thumbnail to read the caption...









 





And finally, everything's ready for the auction....



...If you’re bidding, good luck, and tell us about it!

# I don't want all your furniture, I only want some #

Thanks to Peggy for providing the report and photos.

[Latest Updates] [Important Notice] [Contact Me] [Search Site]