A huge Japanese cloisonne charger, Meiji Period, the sky blue ground decorated with birds amongst foliage, within a black foliate filled border, diameter 61cm, depth 8.5cm. Alan Bennett (1930-2021) was an enormously respected, Cornwall-based antiques dealer. Alan Bennett started working in the antiques trade in the early 1950s for Parker’s of Blackheath before joining Harrod's Antiques Department. He moved to Cornwall in 1954 and opened his own shop, gradually expanding and offering one of the largest selections of antiques in Cornwall. He was assisted in the business by his wife Winifred, son Justin, and a team of restorers. He retired in April 2007. He was a man of refined manners, always impeccably dressed and he bought pretty, elegant things across the board, Dresden China and pierced silver Bon-Bon baskets but also brightly coloured Stafford figures, although it was the furniture that really fed his passion and he specialised in good quality Georgian and later furniture. David Lay reminiscences: "He would sit in the front row bidding with awesome discretion. Nothing as vulgar as a nod or wink. His demeanour told me he was bidding but of course, I knew his taste. I knew when he “should” be bidding. Often Winifred would view with Alan, the perfect couple. Happy memories of a different age. " Through his 50 years in the trade, he amassed an eclectic collection of very good quality art and antiques, many of which we are delighted to be offering here at Lays Auctions across various sales.
A huge Japanese cloisonne charger, Meiji Period, the sky blue ground decorated with birds amongst foliage, within a black foliate filled border, diameter 61cm, depth 8.5cm. Alan Bennett (1930-2021) was an enormously respected, Cornwall-based antiques dealer. Alan Bennett started working in the antiques trade in the early 1950s for Parker’s of Blackheath before joining Harrod's Antiques Department. He moved to Cornwall in 1954 and opened his own shop, gradually expanding and offering one of the largest selections of antiques in Cornwall. He was assisted in the business by his wife Winifred, son Justin, and a team of restorers. He retired in April 2007. He was a man of refined manners, always impeccably dressed and he bought pretty, elegant things across the board, Dresden China and pierced silver Bon-Bon baskets but also brightly coloured Stafford figures, although it was the furniture that really fed his passion and he specialised in good quality Georgian and later furniture. David Lay reminiscences: "He would sit in the front row bidding with awesome discretion. Nothing as vulgar as a nod or wink. His demeanour told me he was bidding but of course, I knew his taste. I knew when he “should” be bidding. Often Winifred would view with Alan, the perfect couple. Happy memories of a different age. " Through his 50 years in the trade, he amassed an eclectic collection of very good quality art and antiques, many of which we are delighted to be offering here at Lays Auctions across various sales.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
