Some rare and highly sought-after pieces are highlights of this September’s Decorative Arts Sale at Tennants in Leyburn, North Yorkshire.

Christopher Dresser Toast Rack

Along with a fantastic selection of Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson furniture there is a rare and unrecorded electroplated toast rack designed by Dr Christopher Dresser and made by James Dixon and Sons dating from circa 1880.  This toast rack was purchased by a lady in Hull in the 1960’s for £5 and although it has seen three small welding repairs over the years, today it could considerably exceed it‘s estimate of between £2,000- £3,000 at auction. A toast rack of the same design sold for £22,000 in Edinburgh in 2005 and the only other one known to be in existence is in Australia.

Born in Glasgow in 1834, Christopher Dresser became Britain’s first professional, independent, industrial designer and until recently he was the unsung hero of Victorian design.  Although he was a contemporary of William Morris, he did not believe that mass production automatically led to ugliness, and his aim was to produce well-designed products which would be available to the aspiring middle classes.  He fully embraced new production techniques in materials, colour and pattern and he worked with many manufacturers to produce some beautiful and well-designed products.  This is evident in his metalwork.  Some of Dresser’s early designs were influenced by his study of botany but his work was transformed by his to trip to Japan in 1876 as the official representative of he Victoria & Albert Museum.

Chiparus Figure

Another rare and most charming item in the sale is the Elegant Dancer figure by the Rumanian sculpter Demetre Chiparus. This cold-painted bronze and ivory figure stands 42cm high on stepped rectangular marble plinth and was made circa 1930.  It is estimated to sell for between £10,000-15,000.

Demetre Chiparus (1888-1950) studied and worked in Paris and specialised in exotic female figures and groups of dancers which were influenced by the dancers of the Ballet Russe.

Ernest Gimson or Sidney Barnsley Oak Refectory Table

An oak refectory table, by Ernest Gimson or Sidney Barnsley, circa 1905-1915 is unusual in design with its plain three plank rectangular top above a chamfered hayrake and wishbone stretcher.  It is joined by four octagonal legs and stands 105cm wide, 198cm long, 72cm high.  It was commissioned for the Hill family, who lived in Barnet, Hertfordshire.  The table is estimated to sell for £4,000-£6,000.

Ernest Gimson (1964-1919) and Sidney Barnsley (1865-1926) were designers of Arts and Crafts furniture using traditional British woodworking and construction traditions.  They were based the Cotswolds and were the foundation of the Cotswolds School.

Gordon Russell Oak Wardrobe

An English brown oak wardrobe, designed by Sir Gordon Russell (1892-1980) (design No.133), made by T. Lees, has two doors opening to reveal a fitted interior with drawers.  It is cedar lined, has detailing on the brass hinges and bears the original maker's label.  The wardrobe is dated May 30th 1929 and stands 136cm wide, 61cm deep, 190cm high.  It is estimated to sell for £700-£1,000.

Sir Gordon Russell was an influential English furniture designer who sought to combine Arts & Crafts ideals with techniques of industrial production.

Tennants Decorative Arts Sale will appeal to anyone with an interest in interior design or the decorative arts.  A catalogue is available (£5 plus post and packing) and viewing is on Friday 22nd September from 9am to 7pm and on the sale day which is Saturday, 23rd September from 8.30am until 11.30am. The sale starts at 12 noon. For those who cannot attend in person, telephone bidding can be arranged by contacting The Auction Centre in advance of the sale on 01969 623780.

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Christopher Dresser toast rack

Demetre Chiparus figure

Sidney Barnsley table and detail

Gordon Russell wardrobe