Two very rare nun dolls are to be offered in Colchester auctioneers Reeman Dansie’s Fine Art sale on the 8th and 9th of November.
26/10/2022
The dolls are to be sold by direction of the Canonesses of the Holy Sepulchre. Nun dolls are believed to have been originally intended as instructional tools, for teaching novice nuns how to attire themselves, and also to maintain strict conformity to the Order’s specific costume over long periods of time.
It is thought that the two dolls in Reeman Dansie’s sale are one of just two instances in the U.K. where such dolls are still to be found in original context connected to their religious order. The earliest documented nun doll is the famous 17th Swarbrick doll, thought to date to 1680, which last appeared at auction in 2009 when it sold for £30,000.
The dolls in the November sale are believed to be possibly of 18th century origin, and may have been amongst the possessions carried in 800 coffers, which were said to have been transported to England, when the Canonesses became displaced from their original Monastery in Liege, prior to the French Revolution. They carry estimates of £3000-5000 and £5000-7000.
Featuring in our November Fine Art sale is a pair of Edward Dayes (1763-1804) oil on canvas of Grosvenor & Hanover Square.
22/10/2024
Two rare classic cars have been uncovered in a rural Suffolk barn, following decades off the road. The 1950’s Mercedes - Benz 220 Type A Convertible and 1921 Talbot - Darracq with a combined age of 175 years are being offered for sale due to the passing of their owner.
09/10/2024
We are delighted to offer this historic Royal overcoat owned by H.M. King Edward VIII who later became the Duke of Windsor and who carried on wearing it after his abdication.
08/10/2024