56659_Ronald Phillips - Text_p001_p005_FRONT MATTER 2006 12/04/2012 17:49 Page 7
FOREWORD It gives me enormous pleasure to present our latest and largest catalogue to date, marking the 60th anniversary of Ronald Phillips Ltd., which was founded by my father Ronald in 1952. Over the past six decades Ronald Phillips Ltd. has established a reputation as one of the leading dealers of fine antique English furniture in the world. We have been very fortunate to acquire a number of outstanding pieces of furniture in the past, and this year has been no exception. Many items in this catalogue have not been on the open market for some time, and some have come from distinguished collections such as those of Samuel Messer, The Earl of Devon, Arthur Leidesdorf, The Earl of Poulett, Cynthia Phipps and Sidney Letts as well as, most importantly, the Royal Collection. I am convinced that the items in this catalogue speak for themselves, but I would nonetheless like to take this opportunity to draw your attention to the small pair of lacquer commodes on page 22, which are extremely rare if not unique, being of lacquer inside and out; the amazing pair of giltwood candelabra on page 136, with only two other pairs known to exist; the mahogany serpentine partners’ desk of a rarely executed shape on page 99; and finally the pair of gesso tables on page 8, attributed to the celebrated workshop of James Moore, which have survived in remarkable condition. I must also point out that the wonderful Regency drum table on page 219 from Windsor Castle and the outstanding tripod table on page 211 were sold before the catalogue went to press. This catalogue would not have been possible without the support of my loyal staff, and I would like thank them for their continued hard work. From 28 June to 4 July this year we will be exhibiting at Masterpiece London, which will again take place at the Royal Hospital in Chelsea. We are also exhibiting at the International Fine Art & Antique Dealers’ Show in New York at the Park Avenue Armory from 19 to 25 October. I hope you will enjoy this cross-section of our ever-changing stock, and I hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you at our showrooms in Bruton Street. Please also have a look at our website, www.ronaldphillipsantiques.com, which is updated regularly throughout the year. Alternatively please do feel free to telephone me on 00 44 (0)20 7493 2341 or email me at simon@ronaldphillips.co.uk for any further information. I look forward to hearing from you.
Simon Phillips April 2012
Right: Simon Phillips with Rolo