The sale comprises furnishings from the Andrew Keith Collection which were commissioned by Keith's great uncle, Edwardian architect and garden designer, Robert Weir Schultz, (1860-1951) for his home at The Barn, Hartley Wintney.
It coincides with celebrations of the Arts and Crafts style in British museums this year. The V&A is currently holding the largest ever International Arts and Crafts Exhibition.
Schultz bought The Barn in the early 1900s and its contents reflect his interest and involvement in the Arts and Crafts movement.
The c.1903 Sidney Barnsley writing casket pictured here and in the room setting right, is made in oak, abalone, mother of pearl and coromandel in a bold geometric design (estimate £1200- £1800). It is one of a small number known by Barnsley. The sale also includes a Gimson casket with mother-of-pearl decoration. At the time both Barnsley and Gimson were experimenting with mother-of-pearl and abalone inlay.
As many Arts and Crafts collections have already been dispersed, this sale has attracted huge attention. Mark Law of Law Fine Art said they received 250 catalogue requests within a day of the sale being advertised in ATG.
Born in Thurso, North Scotland, Andrew Keith (1941-2004) studied modern languages at St Andrews. He taught for a short time at Gordonstoun before joining Richard Green in the early 1960s. He moved to The Barn after WWI.
The sale is on view on April 2 from 9.30am to 2pm, April 3 from 2pm to 4.30pm, April 4 from 9.30am to 6.30pm and on the day of the sale from 8.30am.
