The Michael Stennett Collection, from Yoxford in Suffolk, grossed over £52,000 when it went under the hammer as part of the Cheffins Art & Design Sale on 24th February.
Michael Stennett had an illustrious career as a costume designer, working in partnership with The Metropolitan Opera, New York, The Royal Opera House, Drottningholm Court Theatre, Sweden, English National Opera, Ottawa Festival, Malmö Ballet, Welsh National Opera and, extensively, with the Australian Opera. He designed costumes for many famous performers, including Rudolf Nureyev, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Glenda Jackson, and, perhaps most notably, for his close friend, Dame Joan Sutherland.
The sale of the collection garnered international interest with the majority of lots selling for well above their presale estimates.
Highlights include £7,500 for a painting by Patrick Procktor; 'Laughing Guards' painting by Michael Stennett selling for £4,800, and strong prices paid for many of the opera costume designs which were offered.
Brett Tryner, Director, Cheffins says:
“The results of the sale of this collection are a testament to Michael Stennett’s skill as a painter and designer and also his fantastic collection of works by other artists. Buyers came from far and wide, with sales to Australia and throughout Europe. Michael Stennett was a leading light in the world of costume design, and this sale offered the opportunity for people to buy up a part of the history of opera. Suffolk continues to be an excellent source of art and antiques and at Cheffins we look forward to offering more fantastic pieces to the market from the county at our other upcoming auctions.”
Full results are available at https://www.cheffins.co.uk/fine-art/catalogue-view,the-art-design-sale_212.htm
For further information, contact Cheffins Fine Art on 01223 213343, fine.art@cheffins.co.uk