Results: Costume, Accessories & Textiles Sale 11th February

The John Newall Collection of Albanian Costume attracted bidders from across the world when it sold in Tennants Auctioneers’ Costume, Accessories & Textiles Sale on 11^th February. Intricate and heavily embroidered coats, waistcoats and robes saw excellent prices realised, well above pre-sale estimates, with notable results being achieved for two Pirpiri Sleeveless Coats, dating from the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries (sold for £1,400 each plus buyer’s premium), and a Late 19^th Century Ottoman/Albanian Red Velvet Long Robe (sold for £1,200). The John Newall Collection also included a large selection of vividly coloured and intricately worked Guna Molas, textiles made by the Guna people of Panama and Columbia. The decorative textiles are stitched onto the front and back of blouses and are part of the Guna’s traditional costume. The molas were sold in groups of ten, with each lot selling for between £140 and £250.

The sale saw other notable private collections come under the hammer, which included a Private Collection of Millinery and Costume Accessories from the late 19^th Century to the 1940s that garnered a good deal of interest. Highlights of the collection included a group of Late 19^th Century and Early 20^th Century Accessories comprising bonnets, shoes and gloves that sold for £250 against an estimate of £150-200. A further Private Collection of Period Costume  saw graceful 19^th century dresses selling strongly, with the likes of a Lewis & Allenby Brocade Evening Dress selling for £450. The Mary Lough Collection brought in keen quilters to the busy viewing, who admired the renowned North Country quilter’s intricate stitching, patterns and templates. The majority of the collection has now been dispersed into private collections and archives, and highlights included a Late 19^th Century Turkey Red and White Trellis Pattern Patchwork Quilt, which sold for £450.

The demand for 1930s to 1950s vintage costume continues, bolstering prices and drawing in numerous bidders. 1950s cotton dresses were the most sought after in the sale, with a group of twelve dresses selling for £750. Early 20^th century lingerie again saw strong interest, with group lots of silk nightdresses and undergarments selling well above estimate. Children’s fancy dress costumes caught the bidders’ eyes too, with the likes of an early 20^th Century Jester’s Outfit selling for £140.

The market for Chinese textiles was also incredibly strong, with the top lot of the sale going to a Late 19^th Century Chinese Lightweight Dragon Robe, which despite some condition issues sold for £4,200 following a heated battle from online bidders. Further notable lots included an intricate Late 18^th Century Carved ‘Sailor’s’ Love Token Knitting Stick (sold for £850), an Early 20^th Century Allie Maillard Hat Conformateur (sold for £850), and a chic 1990s Chanel Wool Tweed Coat (sold for £750).

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