Preview: Fashion, Costume & Textiles Sale 22nd May

Colourful textiles from around the world will star in the Fashion, Costume and Textiles Sale at Tennants Auctioneers on the 22^nd May, with the first part of a large collection of 19^th century Indian turbans going under the hammer, led by a good mid-19^th century example of a Nobleman’s Turban on offer with an estimate of £200-300 (all figures exclude buyer’s premium). From China come an array of traditional silk robes, skirts and fans, notable amongst which is a Pair of Early 20^th Century Chinese Face Screens or Palace Fans (estimate: £500-800), and an unusual Early 20^th Century Mint Green Woven Silk Chinese Robe from the Eileen Baker Collection (estimate: £400-600).

Eileen Baker of Scotland is an avid collector, who purchased her first item of antique costume in her late teens from a stall in Grainger Market, Newcastle, sixty-two years ago. Continuing to buy throughout her life, she amassed a varied collection of costume and accessories from the 18^th to 20^th centuries including theatrical costume, part of which is now going under the hammer. Further notable lots from her collection include a Late 19^th Century Green Silk Two-Piece Outfit comprising a bodice and skirt (estimate: £150-250). A second Private Collection of 1920s to 1940s Costume will feature stylish ladies’ day and evening wear and accessories, with good lots including Four Circa 1940s Crepe Dresses that include an example made by Andora of New York, on offer with an estimate of £250-250.  From other vendors come good pieces of 19^th century ladies wear, which include a Circa 1850 Cream Silk Taffeta Two-Piece Costume with ermine shoulder cape and Venetian Gros Point lace (estimate: £200-300), and a Late 19^th Century French Evening Two-Piece Costume made by a Mme Lamourbux of Paris (estimate: £100-200).

 Amongst the collector’s items in the sale is a selection of antique and good modern doll’s house furniture, including a dramatically swathed Early 19^th Century Mahogany Doll’s Four Poster Bed with silk draperies (estimate: £300-500). Also on offer is fine modern craftsman-made furniture, such as a Judith Dunger Chinoiserie Doll’s House Bedroom Suite (estimate: £400-600). One of the most unusual items in the sale, however, is an Early 20^th Century German Father Christmas Clockwork Automaton, in which he is riding a donkey (estimate: £400-600). 

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