Sale of architect’s collection shows designs for life

The 570 lots, to be sold across two days on March 10-11, come to Newbury from St Helen Hall in County Durham, the Palladian house that Whitfield purchased in 1967 when it was at imminent risk of demolition.

Over the course of the next four decades it was restored to its former glory and furnished with high quality objects by Whitfield and his partner Andrew Lockwood.

Before the sale, the interior design firm Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler is presenting selected items from the auction in room-sets at Donnington Priory and Dreweatts’ London gallery on Pall Mall.

Here we pick out five highlights among the lots on offer.

1. George III mahogany library armchairs

This pair of George III mahogany library armchairs from c.1765 were possibly those supplied for Philip Howard (1730-1810) at Corby Castle, Cumbria, and later sold by Phillips in 1994 as part of the Corby Castle house sale.

They carry an estimate of £8000-12,000 at Dreweatts sale of the private collection of the architect Sir William Whitfield.

View the full catalogue entry for these armchairs on thesaleroom.com.

2. Pembroke table

Regency mahogany Pembroke table attributed to Gillows, estimated at £800-1200 at Dreweatts.

Also among the traditional pieces of furniture on offer at Dreweatts sale of the private collection of the architect Sir William Whitfield is this Regency mahogany Pembroke table.

It is dated to c.1820 and attributed to Gillows.

Estimate: £800-1200.

View the full catalogue entry for this Pembroke table on thesaleroom.com.

3. Wedgwood urn

A Wedgwood black basalt and encaustic decorated Attic style urn, estimated at £600-800 at Dreweatts.

A black basalt and encaustic decorated Attic style two-handled urn is among the 15 lots of Wedgwood on offer in the sale of the Sir William Whitfield collection.

Dating from the mid 19th century, it is typically painted in iron-red with antique figures and carries an impressed mark.

Estimate: £600-800.

View the full catalogue entry for this Wedgwood urn on thesaleroom.com.

4. Oak timepiece

A oak cased mural wall clock by Percy Webster, dated 1932, estimated at £1000-1500 at Dreweatts.

This unusual oak cased mural wall clock was a revivalist piece. It was made by London maker Percy Webster in 1932 but in the 17th century-style.

It was formally kept at The Oak Hall of The Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Estimate: £1000-1500.

View the full catalogue entry for this oak timepiece on thesaleroom.com.

5. Chinese incense burner

A Chinese champlevé 'mandarin duck' incense burner, estimated at £200-300 at Dreweatts.

A Chinese champlevé 'mandarin duck' incense burner and cover estimated at £200-300 is among the lots at the sale which is offered without reserve.

It dates from the late 19th or early 20th century.

View the full catalogue entry for this incense burner on thesaleroom.com.