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#MementoMori #AntiqueNeedlework #VintageFashion #LouisVuittonLuggage #ClassicLuxury #HistoricTextiles #EarlsOfLonsdale #VintageCostume #1960sFashion #1970sStyle #BibaCollection #OssieClarkDress #AntiqueTextiles #HistoricFashion #VintageLuxury
A compelling and unique Memento Mori, or “reminder of death,” will be a standout lot in Tennants Auctioneers’ Fashion, Costume and Textiles Sale on May 23 in North Yorkshire. This 18th-century needlepoint piece, remarkably different from the typically light and decorative works of the medium, carries an estimate of £300-500. The design features a skull, a vase with a wilted flower, and a recently extinguished candle with a wisp of smoke. Below the imagery is a Latin phrase from Psalm 102, verse 3: “My days have faded away like smoke,” a lament often associated with sorrow, humility, and faith, frequently used in funeral contexts. Memento Mori, rooted in classical philosophy, became prominent in the arts from the medieval period onward, serving as poignant reminders of mortality.
The sale also showcases a collection of classic Louis Vuitton luggage, a perennial favorite among collectors. Three graduated late 20th-century Louis Vuitton monogram leather hard suitcases are on offer, with the largest estimated at £800-1,200 and the smaller ones at £700-1,000 each. A late 19th-century Louis Vuitton large case, with provenance from the Earls of Lonsdale, is also featured, carrying an estimate of £1,000-1,500. This case is adorned with the red, white, and yellow livery and cypher of the Earl of Lonsdale, complete with a bespoke leather interior that includes accessories like a manicure set, tot cups, and a card case. Additional items linked to the Earls of Lonsdale include a large tan leather dressing case by Joseph Last of London (£300-500), a tan leather Gladstone bag by JT Needs of New Bond Street (£200-300), and a first footman livery uniform belonging to the 5th Earl of Lonsdale, known as the “Yellow Earl,” complete with distinctive yellow velvet breeches (£300-500).
Textiles and decorative items in the sale include a variety of antique pieces, such as two 19th-century French painted printed cotton quilted panels featuring exotic flowers (£200-300), a pair of late 19th-century Arts and Crafts-style heraldic stencilled wall hangings depicting St George, with provenance from the Huguenot Bosanquet family (£500-600), and an unusual 19th-century cream silk bed cover/panel (£300-500). These items highlight the craftsmanship and artistry of their respective eras.
The costume section of the sale features a vibrant collection of vintage and antique clothing, including a significant private collection of 1960s and 1970s ladies’ wear from England and America, a selection of 1970s to 1990s Biba pieces, and an Ossie Clark purple and bronze dress (£200-300). From further afield, there is an early 19th-century Persian robe (£600-800) and a selection of 19th-century Chinese robes, including a striking purple silk robe (£800-1,200). Additionally, the sale includes over 60 lots of antique textiles and costumes from French, Central Asian, African, and English traditions, such as an early 20th-century Indian silk embroidered panel (£200-300).
This diverse sale offers a rich array of historical and artistic treasures, from the somber and reflective Memento Mori to the luxurious and storied Louis Vuitton luggage, as well as exquisite textiles and vintage fashion. Collectors and enthusiasts will find a wealth of items that capture the essence of their respective periods and cultures.
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