Pulling onto the driveway it was difficult to judge quite what I would find. A 1980s stone-built house stood in its own grounds; a horse box parked under the cedar tree alongside a couple of expensive cars parked haphazardly by the stable block. The outward signs were good, obviously a thriving household, possibly furnished over the last twenty years or so with expensive items which may have dropped back significantly in price over the last few years.
I knocked on the door and was welcomed in, the first signs were not optimistic! Everything they wanted to part with had been put in the dining room, so I went in to scan things over. I can usually do this in a matter of moments, the large dining table was burdened with ceramics, glassware, framed prints and almost immediately I knew this was going to be one of those situations where I need to be polite and apologise, while explaining gently that despite the initial high cost of some of these pieces the auction room would be of very little help, but a charity outlet would be a very generous way forward.
Often potential clients are happy enough, primarily having a fear of passing items onto charity which later turn out to be of great value, which in turn end up at auction. Once, however things have been vetted they relax, say that they felt this was probably the case and apologise for wasting my time. I smile, explain that they have not, and move onto the next call. However, on the way out I walked past several items which had already been prepared for distribution to the charity shops. Feeling It would be rude not to have a look through the pile I check them over and, looking through the framed pictures, all of which were rejects, I find one possible exception. An oil on canvas showing a girl at a table playing cards and judging by the style, painted in the 1950s. It was signed, Marcel Dyf, which meant little to me at the time. Anyway, they were happy that I took it on and gave it a go, I explained I was really going on instinct.
Back at the saleroom, research done, it looked as though this was going to be a winner. The artists’ paintings, although in many ways unassuming, were well painted and the subject was quite intriguing.
It went through a recent sale and did rather well. After being destined for the charity shop route it went on to make £2,100 at the salerooms. It’s what we do.
Could our next big discovery be waiting in your house?
We are pleased to welcome consignments for upcoming sales. Contact the team today for assistance without fee or obligation – we look forward to hearing from you !
Philip Taubenheim; Auctioneer & Partner
01452 844733
info@wottonauctionrooms.co.uk
Article first published in July 2024 issue of the Wotton Directory