Farnon & Lake’s sculpture auction takes place at Oxfordshire’s Aynhoe Park. It features more than 160 sculptures by artists including Mel Frazer, Graham Ibbeson and Eve Shepherd. Some of the lots have been created and consigned directly by the artists, an unusual model seen most notably in recent times at Sotheby’s sale of Damien Hirst’s works.
The auction house is the result of collaboration by Duncan Lang and James Kendling. Lang, the principal auctioneer, is a chartered surveyor who plans to channel his taste for the theatrical into his sales. Kendling has more than 30 years of auctioneering experience and has also appeared on television and radio.
Part of their inspiration for the first sale is the venue. Millionaire music-industry veteran James Perkins, who owns Aynhoe Park, has filled it with his personal collection of sculpture which includes anything from classical statues to taxidermy, providing an unusual stage from which to host a sale.
“We chose James’ home as it perfectly mirrors how we feel auctions should be – appearing entirely normal from the exterior yet once you step inside you are immersed in an entirely alternate experience,” says Kendling.
Ibbeson’s sculpture of William Webb Ellis, the father of rugby, is expected to be among the top selling lots.
