Auctioneers Biddle & Webb to sell extensive private collection

June 18, 2012 - PRLog -- Birmingham-based auctioneers Biddle & Webb have already received a huge amount of interest in the sale of the estate of the late Miss M Davis, a well known philanthropist who supported many of the City’s most revered educational establishments.

A lady of considerable means, Miss Davis was born and brought up in Staffordshire but attended King Edward’s Girls School in Birmingham. She remained loyal to her educational roots and ‘The Arts’ throughout her life giving generous  bursaries to her old school and associated establishments including King Edward’s Foundation and latterly to Elmhurst Ballet School.

Margaret’s father was a successful haulage contractor and she lived with him and her mother in a beautiful Arts and Crafts house in Tamworth.  After the death of her parents Margaret remained in the family home which included extensive gardens which apparently she enjoyed maintaining.

Apart from her interest in gardening Margaret also developed a passion for collecting antiques and objet d’art and became well known to many reputable dealers nation-wide as she attended Antiques Fairs and auctions on a regular basis. As a result of her obsession for collectables her house became an Aladdin’s cave full of precious jewellery, silver, porcelain and toys.

Margaret was also known for her particular interest in everything miniature, which it is believed, stemmed from her love of children, hence her generous donations to schools and her passion for collecting dolls house furniture and children’s chairs.

Auctioneer Liz Winnicott was responsible for cataloguing the 379 piece private collection said: “We are naturally used to handling probate cases where large estates come up for sale, but the items included in Miss Davis’s estate are breathtakingly beautiful. Some of my favourites are the Faberge egg pendants and the charming selection of 18th and 19th Century children’s furniture.  However, it’s also going to be a sale that can be enjoyed by everyone as it will include many affordable items and knowing the lady’s passion for philanthropy, art and beauty we are sure she would have liked to share her wonderful legacy with others.”

This very private collection can now be enjoyed by all and will be offered for sale on 22nd June 2012.

Biddle & Webb have had some fantastic results in the saleroom recently including a set of Victorian Maundy money that sold for £24,000 and a fantastic 16th century low chair that realised £6,500.

Other items that set auction precedents included a rare set of posters advertising 20th Century magician Chung Ling Soo which sold for in excess of £15,000.

To find out more visit: www.biddleandwebb.co.uk