Featuring in Reeman Dansie’s February Fine Art sale is this previously unrecorded mid-18th oil portrait of Governor of New York, Charles Le Hardy (1718-1780).
27/01/2023
Charles Le Hardy was born in Portsmouth into a notable Jersey family with a strong naval tradition. He was later known as Charles Hardy - the name was anglicized during his career when relations with France were mostly hostile. He entered the Royal Navy aged 16 and was made Lieutenant in 1737 and Captain in 1741. In 1744 he was appointed Governor of Newfoundland although it's suggested that he never set foot on the island. From 1755 he was knighted and appointed Governor of New York, this during a period of heightened tensions and rebellion in the colony and Charles didn't relish the task of quelling the spirit of independence, the weight of responsibility had driven his predecessor to suicide and he entreated the government to find him another position at sea. In 1757 he was promoted Rear Admiral of the Blue. From 1764-1768 he served as member of Parliament for Rochester and he became Governor of Greenwich Hospital in 1771. In 1779 he was made Commander-in-Chief of the Channel Fleet, a year later he died. This portrait is by family descent from the sitter and is estimated at £2,500-3,500.
An important pair of oil paintings by Edward Dayes (1763-1804) are to appear at auction for possibly the first time in their history; they will be sold in Reeman Dansie’s Royalty, Fine Art & Antiques sale on Wednesday 6th November.
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