18th Mar, 2026 10:00
Fine Interiors
573
▲ Michael Dillon (Irish, b.1957)
a neoclassical painted wooden low table,
of recent manufacture, the circular top centred with the Three Graces, within floral sprays and a lattice border, raised on a turned column and tripod base
85cm diameter, 51cm high
Provenance:A private collection, Abingdon Mansions, Kensington, London W8.
Notes:Irish-born Michael Dillon began his career as a muralist and decorative painter in 1986. Over the years he has worked in Ireland, the UK, mainland Europe, the USA, the West Indies, Africa and New Zealand. His work can be found in country house hotels, National Trust properties, schools, chapels, restaurants and shops. Notably, in 1991 Fortnum & Mason engaged him to paint ten large panels for the Soda Fountain Restaurant, and again, in 1998, to paint twenty-one lunettes to decorate the Food Hall. Following major rebranding, the panels and lunettes were sold at auction in 2007 at Bonhams. In 1999, Fortnum & Mason commissioned Dillon to hand-paint a single bottle of The Macallan 1926 whisky. Described as 'one of a kind', this bottle sold at Christie’s in 2018, breaking all records by becoming the first bottle of whisky to sell for over £1m.
The majority of Dillon’s work has, however, been for private patrons, using his versatile talent on many diverse projects: decorating luxury yachts, painting opera sets, garden summer houses, swimming pools and helipads. Smaller commissions include conversation pieces, animal portraits, painted furniture, decorative invitations, posters and luxury packaging.
The grisaille garden-view panel, a highlight of this sale, was painted in 1996. The suite of furniture, featuring scenes from Greek mythology and views of Greenwich, was acquired in subsequent years to complement the cupboard-door panels, which evoke a classical Mediterranean landscape.
Dillon has exhibited in Dublin, London, Symi (Greece) and regularly holds open studios at his home in Dorset.
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A Life in Bloom: The Contents of a Kensington Residence
Browse the selection of lots from 'A Life in Bloom: The Contents of a Kensington Residence ', featured in our 17&18 March 'Fine Interiors' auction.
£300 - £500
Buyer's premium: 30.00% (inclusive of VAT, where applicable)
Artist's Resale Right may apply to this lot
Condition Report
General light surface wear and small knocks. Joints are sound and solid. Overall it presents in good order and is ready for use.
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Auction: Fine Interiors, 18th Mar, 2026
Viewing
Stansted Viewing | Auction
Viewing will be held at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE, as follows:
Friday 13 March, 10am - 4pm
Sunday 15 March, 10am - 1pm
Monday 16 March, 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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