Summer Welsh Sale (Part II): Auctioneers' Choices

Lot 367 - Antique Welsh patchwork coverlet

It might not be quite the time of year to say so, but I love a good Welsh quilt! I am especially fond of those monumental oil canvases from John Uzzell Edwards’ ‘Quilt Series,’ which were so inspired by regional Welsh bedcovers.

Lot 367 is easily one of the finest quilts we have ever handled in our auction history. Beyond being a fantastic visual example, it comes with impeccable, fascinating provenance, entered directly by the descendants of Llandeilo artist Carey Morris (1882–1968).

The quilt itself is a beautiful blend of history and art. Crafted in the rural Welsh tradition, combining a regimented checkerboard mosaic of hundreds of tiny scrap-fabric squares around a central diamond containing a hand-detailed basket of flowers. This is charming, hand-crafted Welsh folk art at its best. For me the perfect balance between strict structure and individual personality.

The fact that we can place the quilt in terms of people, place and history is the icing on the cake. With an estimate of £300–400, I am expecting a wrestle over it just as if it were the depths of mid-winter.

Lot 364 - Rare Welsh subject postal wafer seals

Part II of The Welsh Sale continues to develop into one of the most interesting auctions I am honoured to conduct. The sheer variation of ceramics, artwork, literature, and antiquities on offer showcases the rich historical heritage Welsh artifacts can offer collectors. 

I particularly love the collection of rare postal wafer seals depicting Welsh castles, landscapes and Welsh customs. To think they have survived over 150 years is remarkable and provides a fascinating window into Welsh life in the mid-19th century.

Lot 368 - Vintage Rhymney Brewery hobby horse mascot

As both a beer enthusiast and amateur brewer, the Rhymney Brewery mascot has enormous appeal. A rare survivor from the 1930s, it is not only an evocative piece of brewing history but also wonderfully decorative in its own right. 

Founded in Caerphilly in 1839 to supply the local ironworkers, Rhymney Brewery became a well-known name in Welsh brewing before its closure in 1978 following its acquisition by Whitbread. Happily, the brewery was revived in 2004 and relocated to Blaenavon, where it continues to produce Welsh ales, bitters and lagers using original Victorian recipes. Among its best-known brews is Scrum V, a seasonal bitter released to coincide with the Six Nations Championship. This charming Hobby Horse mascot once took pride of place on the bar of The Ship Hotel near Barry Island.

Lot 369 - Pair of Welsh turned beech cawl bowls & ladle

These are beautiful, iconic vernacular pieces. Great colour and a touch of quality having brass rims with copper rivets. Made for the national dish of Wales!

Lot 457 - Brigid Wright gouache ' Moonlight Meeting'

I knew little about this artist, but I was drawn to the almost illustrative style of the work and clever composition.

Much of this artist’s work is striking in both colour and composition and has a distinctly contemporary feel. Personally, I think this picture has great charm and let’s face it…who doesn’t like a close encounter with a friendly garden bird.

The Welsh Sale (Part II) takes place on 27th July at our Cardiff saleroom. Featuring the very best of Welsh art, antiques, ceramics and sporting collectables.

Which lot would you choose? Browse the full catalogue online here and discover your favourite.