A collapsible silk top hat - perfect for a Victorian night at the opera, or a 20th century magic trick - comes for sale on July 20.
Our Homes & Interiors sale on Tuesday 20 July includes the novelty hat, made by Gibus of 10 Chandles Street, Trafalgar Square alongside a presentation wand given to a member of the Magic Circle with a guide of £80-120.
Antoine Gibus was a Parisian hatmaker who, during the early 19th century, had solved a problem with which wearers of the top hat were well acquainted. Rather than seek a place to hang one’s silk topper, he created a hat, using a system of steel springs, that could be collapsed flat!
The wand, with silver mounts and a presentation inscription to John Holt, Esq M.M.C. 1963 has a terminal enamelled with the signs of the zodiac. It comes in a silk lined case for John Finches, London.
In anticipation of our upcoming auction 'The Glass Sale', we shine a spotlight on René Lalique and his mastery of moulded glass.
13 February 2026
Sworders are delighted to present ‘Painting with Wool: The Tapestries of Miriam Sacks’, a one-woman retrospective exhibition in our London gallery. Staged in partnership with the estate of Miriam Sacks, the exhibition showcases the finely honed skill and aesthetic diversity throughout the maker’s long career.
11 February 2026
We’re delighted to welcome Bryn Sayles to Sworders as Senior Valuer and Business Development lead for Modern & Contemporary Art. With a focus on building on the department’s success and expanding the reach of its sales, Bryn shares insight into her background and expertise.
4 February 2026