East Meets West Country 

The Collection of the Late Sir John Craven

 

Sir John Craven of Long Newnton, Tetbury and Belgravia, London, was one of the City’s most influential dealmakers in the latter half of the 20th century, having had a central role in the self-reinvention of the Square Mile after the Big Bang of 1986. Amongst many significant city and international banking roles, he was Chief Executive and then Chairman of Morgan Grenfell, brokering its controversial but successful sale to Deutsche Bank in 1990. For thirty-five years, Sir John took great pleasure in owning and developing both the Barn, Long Newnton, and Sutherland House in Eaton Square, which he decorated with his wife, Lady Ning Craven.

The two took great enjoyment in adorning each property with a carefully chosen and seamless blend of antique and contemporary European and Asian pieces. As seen in their Long Newnton home, their design choices clearly extolled the virtues of vibrant hues and bold patterns, to juxtapose with the natural textures and earthy tones of the Barn’s Cotswold stone walls and timber beams.

Sir-John-Craven

© Knight Frank

A selection of highlights from our forthcoming auctions

 


 

A painted pine marriage cabinet, late 18th/early 19th century
 
A large elm altar table, Qing dynasty (1644-1911)

£1,000-2,000

A French Empire painted and parcel-gilt trumeau mirror
 
A French Empire painted and parcel-gilt trumeau mirror

£1,500-2,500

A lacquered and giltwood standing Buddha, Mandalay period (1853-1948), Burma (Myanmar)
A lacquered and giltwood standing Buddha, Mandalay period (1853-1948), Burma (Myanmar)

£400-600

A pair of stained wooden table lamps
Studio of Miguel Canals (Spanish, 1925-1995)
Bowls of cherries, birds and flowers
monogrammed l.r., oil on canvas

£5,000-7,000

© Knight Frank

A pair of George II-style wingback armchairs
A pair of George II-style wingback armchairs

£600-£800

A George II gilt gesso pier mirror, c.1730
A George II gilt gesso pier mirror, c.1730

£3,000-£5,000

A pair of archaistic patinated bronze zhong bell lamps
A pair of archaistic patinated bronze zhong bell lamps

£200-400

An upholstered armchair attributed to George Smith, together with a matching stool
An upholstered armchair attributed to George Smith, together with a matching stool

£800-£1,200

© Knight Frank

A Chinese export red lacquer and gilt cabinet, 19th century
A Chinese export red lacquer and gilt cabinet, 19th century

£1,500-£2,500

A black-lacquered chinoiserie overmantel mirror, c.1920
A black-lacquered chinoiserie overmantel mirror, c.1920

£600-800

© Knight Frank


 
The collection is a perfect fusion of European and Asian pieces and will be offered in our 14 & 15 March Fine Interiors sale.

 

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