The collection of Mr Marcus Linell,

09 May 2024

We are delighted to offer items from the collection of Mr Marcus Linell, who was the Senior director of Asian art at Sotheby’s London.

He joined Sotheby’s in Bond Street in 1956 as a porter numbering the porcelain and glass sales which led on to writing catalogue descriptions and in due course putting catalogues together. In 1960 he started a new Chinese department which prospered with Julian Thompson as his number two. By 1963 Sotheby's took over Parke Bernet Galleries in New York and Marcus joined as head of Decorative Arts. Eventually, he returned back to London to their new Belgravia saleroom with the objective of making 19th-century works of art a mainline subject, with expertise to match that of the 18th century. Finally back to where it all started at Bond Street to look after the specialist departments. At that moment the extraordinary sale of the contents of Mentmore Towers became a reality and Marcus was asked to run it. It was an amazing success and indirectly led on to important continental house sales, first at Regensburg then at Baden Baden and thereafter for the Hanovers, all of which were overseen by Marcus.

With a career at Sotheby's spanning over six decades, Mr. Linell was in a prime position to acquire fine art and antiques from a variety of sources. All of these items were displayed in his beautiful family home in Hampstead which was recently sold by Goldschmidt & Howland estate agents.

Now retired and downsizing from his Hampstead home, it is time to share some of his collection with new owners.

In the drawing room we have lot 740 a Howard and Sons; late 19th century walnut framed open arm easy chair £500-1000. On the mantle a near pair of Samson Chargers with Persian style flowers in at £600-800, as well as a Georgian ebonised bracket clock by Wightman of London which will be in our clock sale on June 26th at £400-600.
In the drawing room we have lot 740 a Howard and Sons; late 19th century walnut framed open arm easy chair £500-1000. On the mantle a near pair of Samson Chargers with Persian style flowers in at £600-800, as well as a Georgian ebonised bracket clock by Wightman of London which will be in our clock sale on June 26th at £400-600.
Mr. Linell’s office is comprised of pair of George IV mahogany hall chairs with painted dog crest £150-250, lot 762 in June interiors. On the table is an Indian miniature painting figure with two cows with an estimate of £300-500. As well as lot 85 a Bishops and Stoner arts and crafts ewer in at £150-250.
Mr. Linell’s office is comprised of pair of George IV mahogany hall chairs with painted dog crest £150-250, lot 762 in June interiors. On the table is an Indian miniature painting figure with two cows with an estimate of £300-500. As well as lot 85 a Bishops and Stoner arts and crafts ewer in at £150-250.
Lot 1000 is this 19th-century continental gilt metal mounted mahogany bureau cabinet which will be in our June interiors in at £1500-2500. On the bureau is lot 1110 a rare Chinese export European subject punch bowl £500-700 with other examples that will be in our June sale of Asian ceramics and works of art.
Lot 1000 is this 19th-century continental gilt metal mounted mahogany bureau cabinet which will be in our June interiors in at £1500-2500. On the bureau is lot 1110 a rare Chinese export European subject punch bowl £500-700 with other examples that will be in our June sale of Asian ceramics and works of art.

Next Auctions

Jan wat
13 January 2025 at 2pm
Jan jew
13 January 2025 at 1pm
Jan pain
13 January 2025 at 10am
Jan fur
14 January 2025 at 1pm
Jan woa
14 January 2025 at 10am
Hampshire house
15 January 2025 at 10am