Christie’s to auction Lord and Lady Sandys Ombersley Court artworks

The collection of Lord and Lady Sandys, whose family seat was Ombersley Court, in Ombersley, spans five centuries, with many of the works of art being acquired or commissioned for their home following the construction of the present house in the early eighteenth century.

Other works in the collection came to the family by inheritance and remained in situ during the tenure of the last Lord and Lady Sandys (d. 2013 and 2015).

There will be 220 lots offered for sale, including old master paintings, furniture, silver, Asian art, militaria and decorative arts.

Assembled over more than 450 years by members of the Sandys and Hill families, the sale is led by an important group of four monumental naval scenes by Willem van de Velde the Younger and Studio, which have been in the family since they were commissioned in the late 17th century. Estimates range from £500 to £500,000, with lots at £1,000 or below offered without reserve. The overall collection is expected to realise in the region of £2 million.

Adrian Hume-Sayer, specialist, private and iconic collections director for Christie’s London, said:  “Sales of collections such as this are rare to come to the market today and Christie’s is honoured to have been entrusted with the auction.

"The collection from Ombersley Court tells the remarkable story of a single family over the course of more than four hundred years and the objects’ unbroken provenance weaves a captivating story.

"This remarkable Collection includes notable groups of works which were both inherited, such as the important group of Old Master paintings commissioned by Edward Russell, 1st Earl of Orford, and works commissioned specifically for Ombersley Court both at its inception and subsequently for the Marchioness of Downshire in the early 19th century.

"Other fascinating objects acquired over the centuries include the gem-like casket bought by Elizabeth Trumbull in Turkey in August 1690.”

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