Made in London, 1824, by Edward Farrell, it was one of 34 produced in antiquarian taste for Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany (1763-1827), son of George III. The supplier was probably Kensington Lewis.
The design is unusual, thought to be based on a set of 17th century cups, with an inscription that reads in part He that loveth pastime should be a pooreman and he that loveth wine & oyle shall not be rich.
Five other bowls from the set have been recorded in the past few decades, though they are rare on the market. Their first appearance at auction was made just three years after their creation, following the duke’s death, when they went under the hammer at Christie’s. It is offered at the fair for £9750.
Evolution process
The event runs from May 7-12 hosting around 120 dealers on the ground floor of Battersea Evolution.
Other newcomers include Stephane Olivier from Paris, TwoPoems bringing 20th century decorative art, Lesley Ferguson Antiques of Lorfords, Appaloosa London offering textiles and costume, Béton Brut featuring Modernist furniture, Arthistorical with European and Old Master paintings, and clock specialist Richard Price.
Among the familiar faces attending this, the second of three editions for the year, are Justin Evershed-Martin, Patrick Macintosh, Christopher Butterworth Antiques, Malby Maps and Julian Simon Fine Art.
The mezzanine of the venue was once dedicated to exhibitors from the main fair. However, it has become a host to other events in recent years, holding the London Antique Rug & Textile Art Fair during the winter show for the last few editions and last year hosting Tribal Art London during its autumn run.
For this edition, Battersea Decorative reserves the area to stage The House Directory Live, described as a ‘mini-fair focusing on bespoke and luxury interiors services’. It showcases the work of restorers and craftspeople and has a programme of talks and demos running throughout the event.