The headline lots by the internationally renowned furniture designer include his Strode bed, designed in the 1970s and made from a single yew tree. It is expected to make as much as £50,000.
Also on offer will be Makepeace’s burr elm and bronze patinated Bird desk, pictured, dating from 1995 and expected to make £30,000, and his Eclipse revolving cabinet, made from holly and paldao (similar to rosewood) with bronze mounts, which has an estimate of £10,000-15,000.
Other pieces in the sale will include Makepeace chairs, screens and a boardroom table.
A significant draw at the auction will be items from the contents of Makepeace’s workshop, with woodworking machinery, veneers and well-seasoned timber, including 5000-year-old bog oak, leather and textiles.
Duke’s will also be offering a selection of antiques from the house, including a pair of silver-plated chandeliers in the manner of Daniel Marot, estimated at £3000-5000.
Parnham itself has just sold at a rumoured £4m and the contents sale continues Duke’s association with the estate: on October 23, 1896, we are told, the auctioneers conducted the sale of the house itself.
Viewing for the sale of Parnham’s contents begins on the day before the sale at 9.30am. It continues until 6pm and there will be a second viewing on the morning of the sale. The sale itself begins at 11.30am.
Duke’s secure Makepeace sale
HY. Duke & Son of Dorchester have been brought in at very short notice to sell major pieces by John Makepeace on the premises at Parnham House in Dorset on May 26.
