LONDON.- Apter-Fredericks: 75 Years of Important English Furniture offered live at Christie's on 19 January realised a total of £3,408,750 across the 138 lots offered, exceeding its pre-sale low estimate by 174%. The sale comprised English furniture and works of art from distinguished provenances such as Spencer House, Langley Park and Cliveden. Apter-Fredericks are internationally renowned for the superlative quality, condition and provenance of their pieces and this reputation, built by three generations of the family over the last 75 years, was a calling card to collectors, connoisseurs, interior designers and the trade internationally.

Interest came from almost 300 bidders, with registrants from 37 countries and buyers from 15 countries across 6 continents, resulting in competitive bidding via Christie’s LIVE and telephone bidding in an auction that lasted for more than five hours.

Peter Horwood, Head of English Furniture, Amelia Walker, Specialist Head of Private & Iconic Collections (Co-Heads of Sale) and Robert Copley, International Specialist comment, ‘We are delighted by the outstanding result for the Apter-Fredericks sale, which reflects the enduring appeal of classic English furniture, particularly for items with good provenance and the stamp of approval from a world-renowned dealer. There was very strong interest shown in advance of the sale - a testament to Apter-Fredericks’ reputation and the quality of the works of art on offer - and the auction itself saw lively bidding from established, new collectors and decorators from around the world, including the US and China. Exceptional prices were achieved in particular for pieces which combined superb craftsmanship and provenance with great colour, patina and condition – not least the beautiful George II mahogany bookcase supplied for Langley Park in 1744-45, perhaps the most admired lot on show, which realised £181,250. We are honoured to have worked with Harry and Guy Apter on this sale and look forward to continuing our association as they move into a new era for their business’.

Harry and Guy Apter comment, ‘The results of yesterday’s sale are a shot in the arm for the market and demonstrate the renewed confidence that there clearly is in this climate for good quality English furniture. The auction represents a change in direction for our business and indeed as a new chapter in our history begins, we are delighted to see that there is such a global market for the very best English furniture.’

Outstanding results include:

Lot 25, A George II mahogany breakfront library bookcase, circa 1750, which realised £181,250 three times the low estimate of £50,000; Lot 10, A near pair of George III mahogany commodes which realised £162,500 against a low estimate of £150,000; Lot 30, A George II walnut side table which realised £125,000 more than double the low estimate of £50,000; Lot 40, A pair of George III ormolu-mounted satinwood, amaranth, green-stained, inlaid and engraved corner cabinets realised £106,250, more than double the low estimate of £40,000; Lot 50, A George II fustic and satinwood sofa realised £106,250 against a low estimate of £80,000; Lot 7, A Pair of George II mahogany open armchairs realised £100,000, double the low estimate of £50,000.