Dreams in the night often drift in from nowhere—as does the impulse to collect. Some of us are hardwired to share our dreams, it is the same with our collections.
Over the past forty years, this collection has been an inspiration and source of daily pleasure. Like dreams, the unexpected connections between disparate objects can open doors to new curiosities, new passions. It is our hope that the surprising juxtapositions found here will spark fresh journeys of discovery for their new custodians.
Of all the pleasures collecting offers, perhaps the greatest lies in the conversations it invites— with fellow collectors, previous owners, and kindred spirits who share this path. Ownership, in the end, feels ultimately less important than the mutual perceptions of like minds.
To assemble a group of objects is to open a gateway to something far greater.
What will you uncover in this mine? And which rabbit hole might you disappear down next?
Richard Billingham’s Ray’s a Laugh
First generation exhibition prints of Billingham’s classic suite. These cornerstone works of the Young British Artists highlights most tenderly the home life of the artist’s alcoholic parents.
'Untitled (RAL 13)’ and ‘Untitled (NRAL 9)’, depicting ‘Ray and Liz’
£1,000-2,000
Six (Comme des Garçons)
A limited series of art and design magazines released by legendary fashion house Comme des Garçons to coincide with the launch of new collections between 1988 and 1991. Published in Japan, they have remained an enduring contribution to current fashion aesthetics.
Five issues of ‘Six’ magazine curated by Rei Kawakubo for Comme des Garçons, c.1988-1991
£800-1,200
Englische Graphik, 1932
During World War 1, a revolutionary new form of camouflage was put to use by the Royal Navy. Called ‘dazzle’, it drew it’s inspiration from recent developments in abstract painting. This poster by Vorticist artist Edward Wadsworth encapsulates the dream of merging fine art and camouflage.
Edward Wadsworth ARA (1889-1949), ‘Ausstellung Englische Graphik’, colour lithograph on linen, framed, 126cm x 89cm
£8,000-12,000
Indian Folk Draughtsmanship
Fascinating examples from the 17th – 19th century, including works from Cary Welch collection.
Seated Noble, Attributed to Hajji Muhammad Husayn, Mughal Empire, India, AH 1088 / AD 1677-1678
£600-800
John Ruskin Letters & Manuscripts
The largest collection of Ruskin letters and manuscripts in private hands. This vast array of correspondence ranges across subjects from ecology, education, architecture, gossip, business dealings, art history, and relations with other literary figures.
A Group of three letters
£1,000-2,000
Crazy Horse Saloon
1960s photo book and large format photograph of the extraordinary burlesque club in Paris. Photographs by Emil Perauer in collaboration with Alain Bernardin.
‘Crazy Horse Saloon’, c.1967
£200-400
We will be offering viewing of the full sale at our Stansted Mountfitchet saleroom on the following dates and times:
| Friday 4 July | 10.00-16.00 |
| Sunday 6 July | 10.00-13.00 |
| Monday 7 July | 10.00-16.00 |
| Tuesday 8 July | 10.00-16.00 |
Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, CM24 8GE
Order A Printed Brochure (sale highlights)
auctions@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778
