28th May, 2025 10:00
Old Master, British and European Art
27
Circle of Peter Tillemans (Flemish, 1684-1734)
Views of Hall Place, Bexley, Kent, one with a carriage in the foreground, the other with figures and cattle
a pair, oil on canvas
47 x 116.5cm (2)
Hall Place, is located in Bexley, Kent. Constructed between 1537 and 1540 by Sir John Champneys, a wealthy merchant and former Lord Mayor of London, the house features distinctive Tudor flint and rubble masonry, possibly incorporating stone from the nearby Lesnes Abbey.
In 1649, Sir Robert Austen, a London merchant, acquired the estate and significantly expanded it. Between 1647 and 1653, he added a red-brick courtyard and clock tower, effectively doubling the size of the original structure. This extension contrasts sharply with the Tudor portion, highlighting the architectural evolution of the period.
The estate remained in the Austen family until 1772, when it passed to Sir Francis Dashwood. The Dashwood family owned the estate for the next 150 years, during which time the house was let as a private school and later served various institutional purposes. In 1935, Bexley Borough Council acquired the property, and it now functions as a museum and public garden.
The two paintings, likely created in the early 18th century, capture Hall Place during a period of notable architectural transformation, reflecting the grandeur and evolving design of the estate.
Sold for £3,500
Condition Report
Framed: 51 x 120cm
Relined. Surface dirt, may benefit from a light clean. Craquelure and stretcher marks. Discolouration to the varnish in places. The painting with the carriage in the foreground has some patches of retouching to the upper edge and sky. There is a larger area of overpainting to the sky in the upper left corner. There is evidence of further restoration to the horses pulling the carriage and behind the horse and rider, with fluorescing to both areas. Please see additional condition images. Much of the surface is obscured by a thick layer of varnish which may conceal further restoration. The second painting with figures and cattle has a little thinning and rubbing to the painting in places. As per the first picture, examined under UV light, a thick layer of varnish masks the surface and makes reading difficult.
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Auction: Old Master, British and European Art, 28th May, 2025
Viewing
Viewing will be held at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE, as follows:
Friday 23 May, 10am - 4pm
Saturday 24 May - CLOSED
Sunday 25 May, 10am - 1pm
Monday 26 May - CLOSED
Tuesday 27 May, 10am - 4pm
All lots are, however, extensively illustrated and carry detailed condition reports - see 'Condition report' at the foot of each lot description.
The auction will take place at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE.
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