500 years of silver at Sotheby’s

A remarkable collection of English and continental silver spanning over 500 years, exquisite vintage jewels and objects of vertu from the renowned antiques dealer, S.J. Phillips is to be offered for sale at Sotheby’s next month. Celebrating the rich and distinguished history of London’s oldest family-owned dealership, the sale will comprise some 260 prized lots from this much-loved treasure house.

Founded in 1869 by Solomon Joel Phillips, S.J. Phillips has long been a London institution known for offering pieces of superlative quality and beauty. Establishing themselves as the largest silver dealers of the mid-19th century, the company attracted the patronage of the great collectors of the 20th century, including generations of the Rothschild family. Today, the business is run by the great-grandsons of Solomon Joel Phillips – brothers, Nicolas and Jonathan, and their cousin, Francis – and continues to attract a loyal and illustrious clientele, including renowned tastemakers and members of the aristocracy, many of whom have a strong and personal relationship with the revered dealers.

Nicolas Norton, Director of S.J. Phillips and great-grandson of the original founder, said, “Earlier this year, we moved to our new premises on the second floor of 26 Bruton Street, marking a new chapter in our history. Owing to the smaller space we now have available, we are no longer able to display all of our collection successfully and have decided to part with a number of beautiful objects which we hope will bring pleasure to new owners. S.J. Phillips and Sotheby’s have been neighbours on New Bond Street for over a century now and this sale celebrates our fantastic working relationship.”

Commenting on the forthcoming sale, David Bennett, Sotheby’s Worldwide Chairman, International Jewellery Division said, “Spanning over a century of jewellery design, this sale offers collectors an opportunity to acquire timeless pieces, rich with the charm and romance inherent in vintage jewels.”

Sotheby’s Silver Specialist, James Clare added, “Like many others, I wandered past S.J. Phillips of 139 Bond Street countless times, peering through the windows almost daily too see their latest treasure. It is a great pleasure to offer this collection at Sotheby’s to a worldwide audience, giving our buyers the opportunity to buy a piece of silver epitomising the family ethos of quality and fine taste, as well as taking away a piece of the company’s rich Bond Street history.”

The sale takes place on October 18.

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