A Scholar's Study

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The Homes & Interiors Department proudly presents the Collection of David Fuller, a successful fine art consultant, known for his work with leading galleries and auction houses.

David joined Ackermann’s, the leading dealer in British sporting art, in 1958.  Like many young art gallery assistants before him, he learnt the hard way – fitting pictures into frames after collection from restorers, delivering purchases to clients and visiting auction houses.  There were few books to learn from, nor were there any photographic reproductions (apart from those held in the Witt Library used for reference and/or attribution).

^{David Fuller during his time at Ackermann}

As an aspiring gallery assistant, his timing was fortunate as Sporting Art saw a rise in popularity not just in Britain, but also in North America.  The explosion of interest in the genre came after Paul Mellon had curated the greatest collection of British works of art ever amassed by a private individual.

Following the surprise closure of Ackermann’s in 1991 (due to a lack of promised investment) David became a respected independent consultant in his own right. Most Mondays, he could be seen strolling down Bond Street, calling in turn on Bonhams and Sotheby’s and also Christie’s in St. James’s.  He was also a regular visitor and friend of Sworders for many years - perhaps one of the reasons why the collection has been much admired by Sworders specialists. It is an assortment of intriguing and beautifully crafted items that once filled David’s study as his museum of personal findings.

 ^{A Selection of Lots from the David Fuller Collection}

Some of our favourite lots include Lot 42, a charming bronze figure of a greyhound and Lot 128, a snuff box made from the ruins of York Minster, which is just one of various snuff boxes offered for sale. The weird and wonderful continues with Lot 76, a tactile jelly mould and Lot 79, a Robert Race automata of a man and a rabbit in a rowing boat.

Among the studio pottery and porcelain is Lot 46, a creamware mug. This late 18th-century example features the heartfelt inscription: 'When this you see, Remember me And keep me in your mind'.

These alluring curiosities are only a small part of David's collection, with more featured in our March Fine Interiors and May Old Masters sales.

Homes & Interiors

Tuesday 4 February | 9:30am

homesandinteriors@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778

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