Antiques Roadshow Expert’s Valuable Collection Fetches Nearly £250,000
Renowned Antiques Roadshow expert, Hugo Morley-Fletcher’s personal collection recently went under the hammer and sold for an impressive total of almost £250,000. The collection included a range of items, such as portraits from Yester House, Mr Morley-Fletcher’s former family residence, and European porcelain from his private assortment. The auction, which took place on March 11-12, surpassed expectations by doubling its low estimate of £120,638, including the buyer’s premium. Mr Morley-Fletcher, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 82, was a familiar face on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow for more than 25 years. Moreover, he was a founding member of the French Porcelain Society and authored four books on pottery. The auction was held at Roseberys’ Fine & Decorative and Old Master, British & European Pictures auctions in London.
Among the highlights of the sale was a portrait in oils on canvas of Lady Margaret Hay, Countess of Roxburghe, by Scottish painter David Scougall from the 17th century. This exquisite piece fetched an impressive £39,000, surpassing the estimated value of £6,000 by a significant margin. Additionally, two works from Sir Peter Lely’s studio were also sold at the auction. A portrait of Lady Jane Scott of Buccleuch, 1st Marchioness of Tweeddale, went under the hammer for £25,260, well above the £7,000 estimate. Another portrait, this time of John Maitland, 1st Duke of Lauderdale, achieved a price of £24,568, surpassing the £8,000 estimate. Maitland, a key figure in the Restoration era, served as Secretary of State for Scotland from 1660 to 1680. Furthermore, a portrait by Alexander Nasmyth, known as the founder of Scottish landscape painting, sold for £31,200, exceeding the estimated value of £10,000.
Lara L’vov-Basirov, head of Old Master, British & European Pictures at Roseberys, expressed her delight at hosting a collection of such high quality with impeccable provenance. She highlighted the rich Scottish art history reflected in the auction items and the significant role played by Hugo Morley-Fletcher’s family as patrons of the arts. Anna Evans, associate director and head of Furniture & Works of Art, Fine & Decorative Sculpture & Clocks at Roseberys, noted that porcelain was a lifelong passion for Mr Morley-Fletcher, making the auction a rare opportunity for buyers to acquire pieces from the collection of a true expert. The competitive bidding and high levels of interest from clients resulted in all but one lot being sold, with the new owners now becoming the custodians of these valuable works.
Overall, the success of the auction not only pays tribute to Hugo Morley-Fletcher’s dedication to preserving his family’s collection but also underscores the enduring appeal and value of fine art and antiques in today’s market. The exceptional prices achieved for these pieces demonstrate the continued interest and appreciation for historical artefacts and masterful works of art. With each item finding a new home, the legacy of Hugo Morley-Fletcher and his family’s passion for the arts lives on, ensuring that these treasures remain cherished and admired for years to come.
The auction industry continues to thrive, showcasing the enduring allure of antiques and fine art to collectors and enthusiasts alike. The story of Hugo Morley-Fletcher’s collection serves as a reminder of the cultural and historical significance embedded in each piece, making every acquisition a piece of history preserved for future generations to appreciate.