An extensive collection of art, antiques and silver from Corby Castle, Cumbria, will go under the hammer in a landmark three-day sale from 22nd – 24th January.
One of Cumbria’s most historically important mansion houses, grade I-listed Corby Castle sits on a plateau, rising above the picturesque River Eden to the east of Carlisle. The Manor of Corby was granted to Hubert de Vallibus by Henry II and passed to Andrew de Harcia, Earl of Carlisle before being given to Richard Salkeld in 1336. The estate remained in the hands of the Salkeld family until it was sold in 1611 to Lord William Howard, the third son of Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk. The house is built around a red sandstone peel tower, or fortified tower house, built in the 13th century; William Howard added a two-storied L-shaped house to the peel tower, and the house was once again modified in the early 19th century by descendant Henry Howard. Between 1812 and 1814, Scottish architect Peter Nicholson gave the castle a new rectangular plan and the harmonious neo-classical façade in the distinctive local red sandstone that graces the building today. Corby Castle remained in the Howard family until 1994, when Lord and Lady Ballyedmond, as new owners, began an inspired revival of Corby, giving new life to one of the great Cumbrian mansions.
The sale comprises over 1,100 lots, ranging from period portraits and 17th century tapestries to decorative 19th century furniture and clocks, and one of the most extensive collections of silver to come onto the market in recent times. Lord and Lady Ballyedmond carefully restored and furnished Corby as a much-loved family retreat for grand entertaining, with style and elegance apparent throughout. The auction provides a unique opportunity for buyers at all levels to acquire exquisite and rare pieces from this outstanding property.
Amongst the three hundred plus lots of silver are rarities, such as an Indian Silver Venison-Dish and Cover made by Hamilton and Co. of Calcutta in the early 19th century (estimate: £12,000-18,000), a massive 1901 Edward VII Silver Monteith-Bowl by Charles Stuart Harris of London (estimate: £6,000-8,000), a Victorian Silver Triple Biscuit-Server dating from 1896 made by Fenton Brothers Ltd. of London (estimate: £2,000-3,000), and a 1754 George II Silver Basket by Edward Aldridge and John Stamper, engraved with the crest of the Howard family, the previous owners of Corby Castle (estimate: £1,500-2,500).
Highlights of the collection include well-preserved tapestries such as a Louis XIV Aubusson Mythological Tapestry, which is thought to depict Odysseus and Circe (estimate: £4,000-6,000). Period portraits by the likes of Sir Godfrey Kneller, Michael Dahl and Thomas Hudson are led by an imposing full-length Portrait of Penelope Wenman, Daughter of Sir Thomas 2nd Lord Viscount and Wife of Sir Thomas Carr of Stanford, Northamptonshire by the Circle of Sir Anthony Van Dyck (1599-1641) (estimate: £4,000-6,000). Also of interest amongst the paintings in the sale is an impressive still life entitled “The Day’s Hunt” by Italian artist Giorgio Lucchesi (1855-1941) (estimate: £4,000-6,000).
The furniture on offer from the collection is exemplified by highly decorative and ornate pieces, such as a French Louis XV Style Carved Giltwood Vitrine, dating from the 19th century (estimate: £3,000-5,000), and a Pair of Victorian Burr Walnut, Tulipwood-Banded and Gilt-Metal-Mounted Secretaire Cabinets from the late 19th century (estimate: £3,000-5,000). Lavish ceramics and works of art include a late 19th century Pair of Sevres-Style Porcelain Jardinieres with Gilt Bronze Mounts (estimate: £1,000-1,500), a French Gilt-Metal-Mounted Sevres Style Porcelain Casket in the Louis XV style (estimate: £500-700), and a Spode Porcelain Supper Set on Mahogany Tray (estimate: £300-500). Amongst the earlier lots on offer in the sale is a St Cloud Porcelain Beaker on Trembleuse Stand made circa 1750 (estimate: £300-500).
Auctioneer and Director Jane Tennant says: “Corby Castle is one of the outstanding historic houses in the North of England, and we are delighted to have been entrusted to sell its remarkable contents.”
