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New England Collects Europe: Skinner’s Fall Victoriana Auction 

Marlborough, MA – September 27, 2021 – Skinner presents A Gilded Age: New England Collects Europe, an online auction open for bidding September 27th through October 7th. The sale provides a snapshot of eclectic 19th century tastes in furniture and decorative arts. Headlining the sale is a curated selection from the Townshend Estate of New Haven, Connecticut, featuring Victorian furniture, fine paintings, and European porcelain. In addition, a collection from a New England institution features Russian and Viennese enamels, fine art glass highlighted by Webb and Tiffany, bronze sculpture, and a selection of Asian works of art. 

Historic Heirlooms: The Townshend Collection 

Spanning five generations and over 200 years of family history, the Townshend Estate at 709 Townsend Avenue in New Haven is a local landmark. The Townshend family purchased the original 79 acres of farmland in 1798 and erected the main house in 1804. The farm remained active through the 19th century, noted for their prized oxen. In 1858, the family expanded the house and updated it to match the Victorian style of the time, adding the cupola and the gingerbread exterior still present today.  

The Townshend Estate

The last owners, Henry Townshend Jr. and Doris B. Townshend, lived in the house for over 60 years, raising their five children. Active in the local community, Henry Jr. served as an alderman for New Haven for many years and twice ran for mayor. Along with his work as a proprietor of the New Haven Green and a Trustee of the Union Trust Co., among other positions, Henry Jr. bred and trained English setters for competition. Though the Townshend Estate is now entering a new chapter separate from the family, the home still retains its character and serves as a memorial to the family’s legacy. 

Carved Stag Marble-top Sideboard
Carved Stag Marble-top Sideboard
(Lot 1053, Estimate: $1,000-2,500)
7 pieces of J. & J.W. Meeks Stanton Hall Pattern Rosewood Seating, including 6 chairs and one sofa.
J. & J.W. Meeks Stanton Hall Pattern Rosewood Seating
(Lot 1068, Estimate: $6,000-12,000)

The Townshend Estate showcases Victorian furniture as well as an eclectic mix of decorative arts. Highlights from this portion of the sale include a carved stag marble-top sideboard, a suite of J. & J.W. Meeks Stanton Hall Pattern rosewood seating, a Capodimonte covered vase, and a pair of faience pottery character busts of a smoking couple.

Capodimonte Covered Vase
Capodimonte Covered Vase
(Lot 1216, Estimate: $450-900)
Faience Pottery Character 
Busts of a Smoking Couple
Faience Pottery Character
Busts of a Smoking Couple
(Lot 1109, Estimate: $1,500-3,000)

A number of paintings and prints reflecting the local landscape of New Haven also come from the estate, including a pair of oil paintings by Christopher Pearse Cranch (American, 1813-1892), titled East Rock and West Rock, depicting the iconic rocky outcroppings that flank New Haven. 

Other Auction Highlights 

Russian .875 Silver-gilt and 
Cloisonné Enameled Salt Cellar
Russian .875 Silver-gilt and
Cloisonné Enameled Salt Cellar
(Lot 1029, Estimate: $500-700)
Thomas Webb & Sons Cameo Yellow Glass Vase
Thomas Webb & Sons Cameo Glass Vase
(Lot 1122, Estimate: $500-700)

Decorative arts featured in the sale include Russian enamels, fine art glass, and European porcelain. Highlights include a Russian .875 silver-gilt and cloisonné enameled salt cellar in the shape of a chair, a Thomas Webb & Sons cameo glass vase, and a Royal Vienna porcelain tea service with tray. 

Royal Vienna Porcelain Tea Service with Tray
Royal Vienna Porcelain Tea Service with Tray
(Lot 1044, Estimate: $1,000-2,000)

Previews 

We invite you to preview items, ask questions of our specialists, and learn more about the auction process at Skinner. Free and open to the public, previews for the auction will be held October 5th, 6th, and 7th from 10am-5pm, or by appointment. Browse in person, then bid online to take home your own piece of history.  

Contact Us:
european@skinnerinc.com
508.970.3203

About Skinner 

Skinner attracts top consignments and commands record-breaking prices in the international auction marketplace. With renowned expertise and extraordinary service, Skinner auctions is the place for buyers, sellers and the passionately curious. Skinner appraisers are familiar faces on PBS’s 19-time Emmy Award-nominated ANTIQUES ROADSHOW. Visit us in Boston, Marlborough, New York, Maine, or Florida, or online at https://www.skinner.bonhams.com

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