It’s the day when retail ledger books go from red to black as the long commercial slide into Christmas begins and many buyers will head to major high street shops, hit online sales or wait for ‘Cyber Monday’ (November 26) to bag a bargain.
But for those interested in art and antiques, there is a new event at Bridport Antiques to mark the occasion.
The Dorset centre at The Old Court in West Street in Bridport will stay open later until 8pm Friday November 23, and will continue the discounting into Saturday November, 24 when they will be open from 10-5pm.
Reductions on offer at the centre include a pair of Chinese Elm Console Tables, c.1825, will be reduced from £1975 to £1250 and two signed Salvador Dali numbered and embossed lithograph framed prints reduced by a third from £1500 to £1000.
The centre said it will honour a 15% discount in the showroom and at LoveAntiques.com at its online store over the period.
There’s plenty more for art and antiques lovers to find around Dorset. Here’s three other places to find top objects in the area.
The Clock Work Shop
This silver mounted and ebonised quarter striking bracket clock by William Baldock, London, is on offer at The Clock Work Shop in Abbotsbury. Though made c.1860, its solid silver mounts and fine silver work, which includes a cherub-mounted floral basket gives it an 18th century feel. The case and mounts are believed to have been a special commission to Baldock. It is offered for £28,500.
Bulstrodes
Bulstrodes is a family-run auction house with nearly 100 years of experience. Its November 21-22 sale includes antique furniture, collectables and jewellery and among the highlights is this oil on canvas of Lucy Lady North in a gilt frame by Charles Jervas (c.1675-1739). Lucy married Frances Lord North in 1728 but died shortly after giving birth to her second child, Louisa. Her husband, blaming the child for her death, gave it up for adoption.
The couple’s other child, Frederick, was prime minister from 1770-81 during the American War in Independence. Though he was a successful peacetime leader, his leadership during conflict was troubled. When he attempted to step down during the war the king threatened him with imprisonment and he seems to have had little control over the tactics of the army commanders.
This portrait, which depicts his mother as a young woman, has an estimate of £1000-2000.
Piers Pisani
This 19th century rosewood writing table with amboyna inlay is available from Piers Pisani Antiques and furniture for £1650. The Sherborne antiques and furniture shop offers a variety of items from the 18th and 19th century in its 3000 sq ft showrooms. The website also includes extensive guides to the construction and history of English antique furniture.
