The Glory of the Flower by LAPADA

2007 marks the tercentenary of the birth of Swedish naturalist, Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778), whose classification of plants and animals is the basis for the current system of scientific names, still used today. In celebration and in association with the Linnean Society of London (www.linnean.org), The LAPADA Autumn Antiques and Fine Art Fair will have a theme ‘The Glory of the Flower’ flowing through exhibitors’ stands, all transforming The Centaur at Cheltenham Racecourse, where this annual fair is being held for the fourth time, from Thursday 11 to Sunday 14 October 2007.

Flowers have been used in art and antiques for centuries. ‘The Glory of the Flower’ shows the influence of flora in antiques: delicate relief work in fine English porcelain, shaped glass flowers and leaves adding sparkle to chandeliers, dramatic floral jewellery, fine prints, oils and watercolours, a bough of flowers in a bronze sculpture, intertwined patterns cut into glass, engraved and relief work on silver, stylised designs woven into carpets and textiles, carved and inlaid details in furniture.

Organiser, Ingrid Nilson is selling lithographs by Swedish botanical artist, Annika Silander-Hokerberg, who is signing copies of her book ‘Men Around Linnaeus’, paying tribute to those without whose help, Carl Linnaeus “would never have been able to fulfil his mission in life.” On Thursday 11 October and Friday 12 October, she is also illustrating how modern lithographs are produced. Members of the British Antique Furniture Restorers’ Association (BAFRA) are demonstrating restoration of floral motifs in Persian carpets and the 17th century technique of japanning (oriental lacquer) on the BAFRA stand, dedicated to showing visitors various restoration techniques and expertise for the duration of the fair.

Anthony Woodd Gallery from Edinburgh has half a dozen chromo-lithographed plates, some finished by hand, from Frederick Sander’s Reichenbachia Orchids (1888 – 1894) priced at £350 each. From around the same time, c 1889, but from Japan, is a set of 12 woodcuts of flowers in bloom by Shodo Kawarazaki, Meiji period c 1889, from Wakelin & Linfield. Surrey based German dealer, Angelika CJ Friebe has 18th century copper plate engravings with original hand colouring by Georg Dionysius Ehret, ‘Cereus, Tab XXX’, a flowering cactus in blue pot, £1,410, and ‘Palmifolia, Tab XXVI’, £885. The walls in Carl Linnaeus’ summer residence Hammarby near Uppsala in Sweden are papered with such Ehret copper plate engravings.

Aurea Carter has a very rare set of six pottery plates, c 1800, impressed URN & Co on the back, probably painted by Absolom of Yarmouth. Each one is inscribed on the back with the name of the plant. Her Derby chestnut basket and cover has applied flowers, c 1758, priced at £2,100. Where there are flowers, there are often vases. Caira Mandaglio has a decorative unglazed pottery flower vase created by the English Fulham pottery company, c 1930, for leading florist Constance Spry, £1,200.

Also from Caira Mandaglio is an inlaid wooden settle, designed by Italian architect Osvaldo Borsani, c 1920 (£4,900). In 1952, Borsani formed the well known Italian design company Tecno. By complete contrast, Wakelin & Linfield have two excellent examples of 17th century oak furniture, with carved flowers. The early 17th century coffer is decorated with gouache and gauge carvings and further enhanced with carved sunflowers central to the main panels. The wainscot chair, from the Lancaster area, is extremely boldly carved and dates from the mid-17th century. The carved flower depicts the rose of Lancaster.

Pansies, posies and primroses abound from the different jewellery dealers exhibiting, including an Art Deco diamond floral ‘posy’ single clip suspending a detachable lady’s diamond fob watch, c 1925, £2,950 and a diamond and natural pearl set yellow enamel primrose brooch (£1,450), c 1900, which was probably used by the Primrose League, both from Trivette.

Norfolk Decorative Antiques have a very important 12 armed gilt bronze chandelier (£6,500), probably manufactured in Europe around 1860. It used to hang in Somerville House, Co. Meath, where it belonged to Sir William Somerville, formerly Secretary of State to Ireland in the 1840s to 1860s.

The Glory of the Flower
The LAPADA Autumn Antiques and Fine Art Fair

• Where: The Centaur, Cheltenham Racecourse, Gloucestershire GL50 4SH
• When: Thursday 11 - Sunday 14 October 2007

Further details...

• Contact phone : 01797 252030
• Also see : http://www.lapadafair.com

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