A packed saleroom in Carmarthen witnessed the dispersal of the Dennis Cockell Collection of Ewenny Pottery where enthusiastic bidding from collectors and dealers alike resulted in a virtual sell out.
The decision of the family to follow Mr. Cockell's wishes and sell the collection where it would be most appreciated in the area of its origin, despite having to return it to Wales from Nottinghamshire, was fully vindicated. Virtually all the lots were contested with spirited bidding and prices ranged from just £25 to a high of £1,500 for an individual vase. The total collection realised close to £30,000.
In a sale of 750 lots, the Ewenny Collection was only part of a very varied catalogue which saw a top price of £3,200 for an oil painting by Ceri Richards, followed by a variety of lots including a Dutch oak table, longcased clocks, a bookcase and Kyffin Williams watercolours all falling in the £2,000-£3,000 region.
Overall a memorable day which saw a selling total approaching £150,000.
The next catalogued sale is on December 2 and lots are already being consigned. A general sale of 1,000 lots of Victorian, collectors items and effects takes place on November 4 and 5 in Pensarn, Carmarthen.