18th Nov, 2022 10:30 GMT/BST
Costume, Accessories & Textiles
2149
Pair of 19th Century Felt Applique and Watercolour Pictures by George Smart depicting Old Bright the Postman dressed in a navy wool coat, grey trousers, black hat leading his grey felt donkey, holding a staff in one hand and with post bag slung over his shoulder, approaching a sign '2 miles to T.Wells' with a hand painted view off Tunbridge in the background
the Goosewoman completes the pair wearing a red wool cape, black bonnet with ribbon, floral sprigged cotton dress, white apron, holding a basket over one arm with two geese inside, holding a staff to the other, with a handpainted view of a castle and windmill in the background, both bearing paper labels to the reverse in similar burr walnut frames, 28cm by 33.5cm
George Smart 1774-1846, known as the Tailor of Frant, Tunbridge Wells, Sussex. Smart re-used the left over scraps from his tailoring to produce these wonderfully naive images.
Provenance from the vendor 'They were given to my father in 1969 from his Grandfather, an antiquarian book dealer in Oxford (Sanders of Oxford). We do not know where he acquired them from but likely bought as we don’t think that he inherited them. So have been in the family for at least 54 years and although they are beautiful when my parents sold the Family House and had less wall space they sat in a cupboard for 10ish years hence the decision for us, as a family, to sell them.'
Sold for £5,500
Estimated at £1,500 - £2,500
Old Bright The Postman - 'grease' mark to the left hand border, some small spot marks and slight discolouration to the sky, a couple of mm's of felt missing from the top of his head under the hat. Four tiny areas where paper poss scratched or paint lacking to the sky and slight wear overall. Couple of cracks to the frame on the left hand side mainly.
The Goose Woman - some spotting to the watercolour background mainly to the sky, thumb print style mark to the top of the picture. Couple of tiny brown marks to the white apron, right felt arm holding basket has some holes and wear. Som cracks and veneer flakes missing.
We are happy to provide Condition Reports to prospective buyers, but would welcome your request as soon as possible, preferably at least 48 hours before the Day of Sale. We cannot guarantee a reply to any requests made within 48 hours of the start of the auction. The absence of a Condition Report from a lot does not mean that the lot is in perfect condition. A Condition Report is an honest expression of our opinion, not a statement of fact and is provided as a service to the seller. All lots are available on public view ahead of an auction and we encourage prospective buyers to inspect an item in person where possible. Our Condition Reports are not prepared by professional conservators, restorers, or engineers, and are prepared with the naked eye unless otherwise stated.
Regarding Pictures, Prints and Works on Paper, works are not examined out of the frame, unless specifically stated. Tennants Auctioneers do not cover damage to gilded wood or plaster picture frames, or to picture frame glass whilst the item is in our possession.
We accept no liability for the opinions expressed in any Condition Report.
Auction: Costume, Accessories & Textiles, 18th Nov, 2022
Over 260 lots to include three fine private collections of rare antique costume and textiles. Also included is a range of collector’s and fashion items, quilts, dolls, fine household linens, samplers, embroidery, sewing accessories and lace, period and modern costume.
Viewing
Tuesday 15 November - Wednesday 16 November 10am-4pm, Thursday 17 November 10am-5pm and morning of sale from 8am
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