Sewing in Stilettos in the Cotswolds

Entered in the auction is a private collection of sewing and embroidery items including a large number of stilettos! The stiletto is a sharp tool or awl used for making holes whilst embroidering (hence the name of the familiar, spiked heel shoes). This collection comes from a keen needleworker unfortunately no longer able to sew as she once could. It includes silver, ivory, bone and bakelite examples. Some of the bone and ivory stilettos are finely turned and carved and include examples which come into two sections, unscrew and unfold. This part of the auction also has a small advertising sewing cabinet on offer containing a selection of packets of needles, a collection of tatting shuttles including a tortoiseshell example, two turned wood Victorian sewing stands, silver thimbles and other unusual sewing tools. Prices will vary from £30-£100 making these small collectables very affordable for someone wishing to make a foray into this market.

A range of studio pottery will be offered in the 20th Century decorative arts section including 1970s Western German fat lava vases and Rye pottery vase and coffee set. From the 1920s comes a charming Art Deco figure by Goldscheider - a young woman in Pierrot costume, estimated at £400-£600 .There will be a selection of pictures going under the hammer such as works by Frans Masereel and a local artist Andy Danks, who specialises in retro nostalgic representations.

Amongst the vintage textiles there is a range of costume and from the 1900s to 1980s, including a beautiful Chinese silk embroidered lady’s evening jacket from the 1920’s which was brought in from a estate near Ross on Wye. A pretty selection of vintage lace (always highly collectable) will also be on offer, some of it from the same estate. Names to watch out for include Mornessa, Rene Derby, Vivien Smith, Windsmoor, Rogaire, Alexon and Astraka. Even the gentlemen will have something to tempt, as a quantity of morning dress is included!

The last sale of Vintage Textiles and Twentieth Century Decorative Arts was on 14th November 2011 when a bronze sculpture by Gilbert Bayes (1872-1953) sold for £4,000 and Chinese ivory and painted fan made £680. 01242-256363, 01285-642420.