LONDON.- This month, Sotheby’s will bring to auction a rich and eclectic selection of works, curated by Adrian Alan, one the world’s leading dealers of nineteenth century furniture and decorative arts. Drawing from his vast collection, each piece exemplifies the luxury, opulence and exquisite craftsmanship which defined the cultural and artistic innovations of the Belle Époque. New Époque: Adrian Alan - Selected Works will offer exceptional Furniture, Clocks and Sculpture by leading artists and craftsman of the day, including François Linke, Paul Sormani, Alfred Beurdeley and Ferdinand Barbedienne.

Since its opening in 1964, the Adrian Alan gallery has been the ultimate destination for collectors, decorators and lovers of the very best Parisian furniture, which was created for the great international fairs and collected to furnish lavish homes on both sides of the Atlantic during the nineteenth century heyday. Open for bidding 21- 28 October, the sale will reflect the diversity and refined taste for which Adrian’s eponymous gallery is known.

João Magalhães, Sotheby’s Senior Specialist of European Furniture commented: ‘It is such a privilege to work with Adrian Alan whose vast knowledge and admirable passion for 19th century furniture and works of art are renowned in our field. This sale shows Adrian’s exquisite eye, offering the public a chance to enter the opulent world of his gallery, and presenting a unique opportunity to acquire high-quality works at varying price points, all personally chosen by Adrian during his outstanding half-a-century career.’

Adrian Alan said: ‘In my 55 years in this industry, it has always been true that the most successful businesses are the ones that adapt the quickest and smartest to the changing forces around them – and since opening my first Gallery in 1964 I have seen and adapted to so many. In light of this, the opportunity to work with Sotheby’s on this online platform excited me. I was privileged to be asked to curate a sale that will hopefully inspire my existing clients, as well as many new ones. It is a wonderful chance to explore the auction world without walls and physical boundaries. I very much hope that you enjoy the pieces I have selected, and that the beauty and craftsmanship represented here brings you much needed joy and inspiration in these unsettling times.’

A selection of highlights from the sale will be exhibited in Sotheby’s New Bond Street galleries on 24 – 28 October 2020.




Highlights from the sale:

• A Louis XIV style gilt-bronze mounted, ebony and brass boulle marquetry small armoire, by Joseph Cremer, circa 1860 Estimates £60,000-90,000

• A pair of Louis XVI style gilt-bronze mounted black Chinese lacquer mahogany commodes à l'anglaise, by Perreau, late 19th century Estimates £60,000-90,000

• A French porcelain Royal dated armorial part dessert service, 1886, Pillivuyt et Cie., a wedding gift to the future Kings of Portugal, Princes Carlos de Bragança and Amélie de Orléans, comprising 63 pieces Estimates £15,000-25,000

• A Louis XV style gilt-bronze mounted black lacquer ebonised bureau plat, after the “De Choiseul” model by Jacques Dubois, late 19th century Estimates £50,000-100,000

• A French style gilt-bronze mounted kingwood bombé vitrine, by François Linke, index nr 905, circa 1900 Estimates £60,000-90,000

• Pio Fedi (1816 – 1892), Cupid, white marble, signed PiO FEDI FACEVA. Estimates £10,000-15,000