The c.1900 bedroom suite, fashioned in waxed and fumed oak offset by small panels of pewter and ebony inlay, represents some of the earliest work by Ambrose Heal and (alongside the 1898 catalogue for Plain Oak Furniture) represented a radical departure from the elaborate, historicising pieces that made up the rest of the family firm's stock.
Paris Exhibition
This particular suite, comprising a wardrobe, dressing table, bedside cabinet, three chairs and a washstand that has some alterations, was that shown at the Paris Exhibition of 1900 (where it was awarded a silver medal) and again in Glasgow the following year. It was kept by Heal's in Tottenham Court Road until 1907 when it was acquired by the Price family.
Although on the market for the first time, it is well known from a number of reference books and has been lent for exhibition on several occasions: to the V&A for a show in the early 1950s and to Heal's for their anniversary exhibition in 1960 and again in 1972 for the Ambrose Heal Centenary exhibition.
It is a member of the Price family, who lives in Weybridge, who has consigned it for sale at the Riverside Saleroom, Guildford on December 7.
The estimate is £15,000-25,000.
Contact 01483 802280.
