We are delighted to announce that the Leeds branch of the acclaimed international auction house, Bonhams, has moved into a new office at The West Wing on the Bowcliffe Estate. To introduce clients to the Leeds relocation and beautiful new space at Bowcliffe, Bonhams – along with co-hosts Aon Private Client and Rathbones – held a wonderful Champagne reception and private preview on Thursday 21st September.
The preview included a number of selected items for forthcoming London sales, with highlights including four paintings and a sculpture from the estate of Benedict Read.
With a wonderfully apt Yorkshire twist, the four works were collected by Benedict’s father, Sir Herbert Read, son of a Yorkshire farmer who became the leading art critic of 20th Century British and World Art. A painting by Ben Nicholson was a Christmas gift to Herbert and his wife Ludo in 1936, the carved hand size sculpture of a mother and child by Barbara Hepworth sat on Herbert’s study mantelpiece and the Kurt Schwitters was given in gratitude for a catalogue entry for Schwitters’s first solo exhibition in England. Ben received the Paul Nash from his Godmother and the Yayoi Kusama was a gift to Herbert in 1957 on her arrival to New York from Japan and just before her international reputation was sealed.
Bonhams Regional Director for Yorkshire Simon Mitchell said, “We look forward to welcoming customers to our new home in the beautiful setting of Bowcliffe Hall. With plentiful car parking and easy access, we are perfectly situated to meet the needs of clients right across the county.”
Guests were also treated to a further selection of approximately 40 items including, pictures, works of art and jewellery, which were also on display.
Bowcliffe Executive Chef, Andy Lawson provided delectable canapés for the evening, they too were miniature works of art!
Bowcliffe Hall benefits from a number of beautiful spaces that lend themselves perfectly to art and sculpture exhibitions. Bonhams chose the Bowcliffe Room and the spectacular Ballroom for their preview – the rooms gilded 23.5 carat gold ceiling and exclusive hand blocked wallpaper was a stunning backdrop for the artwork. Previously, artists and sculptors including the award-winning David Harber have showcased their pieces on the Estate.
Bonhams at Bowcliffe Hall will be open 8.30 – 5.00 Monday to Friday for specialist valuations, consignments and advice on all aspects of buying and selling at auction. The telephone number for all enquires and to arrange home visits remains +44 113 234 5755.
