A South Staffordshire Enamel Bonbonniere, circa 1770, moulded and decorated as a walnut, 5cm long

Provenance:
The collection of Nellie Ionides (1883-1962) and by descent.

Nellie Ionides was the daughter of Sir Marcus Samuel, 1st Viscount Bearstead. Nellie married firstly Walter Levy, who died as a result of injuries he sustained in the first world war, and secondly Basil Ionides, the Art Deco designer, perhaps best known for his work on the Savoy Theatre. Nellie was a celebrated collector and philanthropist who was responsible for saving the Octagon Room at Orleans House in Twickenham and for making donations from her art collection to her local council. During her life she amassed a significant collection including not only the present enamel but also a further group which were sold Sotheby’s, London, 17 June 1980.