LONDON.- This November and December, Bonhams Knightsbridge features an exciting selection of British works spanning from the 17th to 20th century. Capturing the picturesque countryside, works by Samuel John Lamorna Birch (1869-1955) star in the British and European Art sale on 15 November, meanwhile the evolution of modern rail is celebrated through a selection of paintings by Terence Cuneo (1907-1996) in the Modern British and Irish Art sale on 29 November. Bringing together some of the best examples of early British and Dutch glass the Durrington Collection sale takes place on 15 November. Finally, as the winter auction season comes to a close, The David Milling Collection is not to be missed in the 20th century Decorative Arts sale on 5 December.

British and European Art
15 November

Known for his idyllic scenes of the English countryside, a collection of paintings by Samuel John Lamorna Birch (1869-1955) lead Bonhams’ British and European Art sale on 15 November. Lesser known about Birch, however, was the close relationship between himself and his tailor, Sir John Robert. Indeed, Family at Lamorna, which has an estimate of £8,000-12,000, was part of a collection of works that Birch exchanged for his tailored suits. Sir John Robert would go on to purchase additional works in support of the artist, including a view of Coverack, Cornwall (estimate: £3,000-5,000). Never before seen at auction, this collection is now being offered by Sir John Roberts’ granddaughter.

The Durrington Collection: Important British and Dutch Glass
15 November

Among the most celebrated pieces of glass ever produced in Britain, The George III Goblet, estimated at £100,000-150,000, stars in the Durrington Collection which takes place on 15 November. Richly adorned, this goblet belongs to a significant group of stately armorial goblets decorated by William Beilby (1743-1819) with the Royal arms of King George III. The George III Goblet is amongst the earliest known pieces of enamelling on glass in the UK and is considered one of Beilby’s most celebrated works. At an impressive 21.5 cm in height, the glass demonstrates an exquisite range of colours rarely employed at the time. Formed over a number of decades, the Durrington Collection brings together some of the best examples of early British and Dutch glass, including Jacobite engraved glass, early balusters, and enamelled and coloured glass.

Modern British and Irish Art
29 November

Known for his scenes of railways, a selection of six paintings by Terence Cuneo (British, 1907-1996) star in the Modern British and Irish Art Sale on 29 November. Coming to the auction market for the first time, Cuneo’s Ffestiniog Workhorses is a highlight of the sale, carrying an estimate of £30,000-50,000. Commissioned by the family of the seller in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Ffestiniog Railway, the painting depicts the 1917 Mountaineer from the Ffestiniog Railway's fleet of steam locomotives, together with the distinctive Double Fairlie. Mountaineer was one of the first two locomotives commissioned for the Railway in July 1863, whereas the double-ended Fairlie locomotives were commissioned several years later, in response to the boom in slate traffic. As a result, Ffestiniog Workhorses provides a unique snapshot of a changing landscape on the brink of industrialisation.

20th Century Decorative Arts and Ceramics
5 December

Spanning from Lalique glass to a Hermès serving dish, to Art Deco sculpture and furniture, Bonhams 20th Century Decorative Arts Sale captures the diversity of production of the era. A section of the sale features The David Milling Collection. Often cast as sombre and oppressive, the Victorian era had another side, imbued with colour. Offered across three auctions, including 20th Century Decorative Arts on 5 December in London, Modern Design on 12 December in New York, and an online sale running from 8-18 December on bonhams.com, Bonhams presents The David Milling Collection, celebrating the vibrancy of the period. David Milling has spent a lifetime collecting the best of British Art Pottery and American Art Glass and Pottery from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, from Tiffany Studios glass to the rich glazes of William de Morgan to the homage to Medieval England created by Burne-Jones and William Morris. A highlight of the London-sale is an impressive twin-handled vase by William de Morgan (1839-1917), carrying an estimate of £4,000-6,000. Poised against a swirling sea background, the vase depicts multiple swimming fish, awash with blue, green, and turquoise hues. Emblematic of his playful style, William de Morgan is considered one of the most innovative designers of the Arts and Crafts Movement.