DuMouchelles November Auctions Feature the Estate of Detroiter George Palmer
DETROIT (Nov. 10, 2020) – DuMouchelles Thursday, November 19 and Friday, November 20 auctions feature a remarkable collection from the estate of George P. Palmer, a Detroit collector known for his impeccable taste and commitment to the arts. George, an interior designer was also the owner of WhyNot Flowers, which became a showplace filled with crystal and silver. “George was a wonderful friend and client of DuMouchelles for over half a century and we always admired his sophisticated taste and purchases of high-quality fine and decorative art for his stately home in Indian Village. He and his late partner, Gary Goodwillie’s passion for global travel and collecting complimented his collection, which features a treasure trove of unique items,” said Robert DuMouchelle, DuMouchelles General Manager. One of the more significant pieces in the Palmer collection is a Thomas Gainsborough R.A. (English, 1727-88), Oil on Canvas, 1762 Portrait of William Hanson Esq. of London (H 50 1/2″ W 39″).* “George’s home was an extraordinary gallery where he enjoyed entertaining at his 20-foot dining table, elegantly set with English candelabras, service for 36 Wallace Grand Baroque silver flatware, exceptional porcelain and Waterford glasses. His home was like a Rembrandt: if you were willing to look, it would show you more than you could take in. That is what masters do.”, shared one of Palmer’s long-time friends. Other notable highlights from the Palmer collection include:
• Wallace ‘Grand Baroque’ Sterling flatware, 81 pieces and 95 pieces
• 20th century pair of French Empire style d’ore bronze urns with double-handled acorn finials, floral and acanthus leaf swags and beaded band with a vine and shell motif (H 28″, W 9.5″).
• Bronze patinated Bacchantes garden sculpture, depicting two women and two cherubs holding
grape clusters (H 68″, W 36″)
• Limoges ‘Faberge’ porcelain service for 24, 120 pieces
• Blown glass champagne flutes having clear stems and flutes separated by a blown glass accent in the form of a spotted red Natural Nautilus.
• Circa 1900 Chinese bronze and cloisonne censor with animal figural finials and dragon form
handles. It has a floral motif on four large legs and six inset jade medallions with a filigree border
lid (H 21″, L 28″).
• Pair of J. Ehrlich, Russian silver candlesticks, circa 1900. (H 12.25″) T.W. 20 TOZ Mark of J. Ehrlich, Kostroma (1896/1908). Tapered fluted columns on circular bases with a grape and leaf motif and three branch form openwork feet.
DuMouchelles November auctions also feature more than 800 fine and decorative arts from collectorsand other prominent estates in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and Palm Beach, Florida. View at www.DuMoArt.com. We invite the public to preview DuMouchelles Thursday, November 19 and Friday. November 20 auctions at our Detroit gallery. Please bring a mask and practice social distancing.
• Thursday, November 12, 11am – 5pm
• Friday, November 13, 11am – 5pm
• Saturday, November 14, 11am – 5pm
• Tuesday, November 17, 11am – 5pm
• Wednesday, November 18, 11am – 5pm
For alternate times or a virtual preview, call us Tuesday – Saturday 9:30am-5pm ET to make an appointment. The public may contact us to request additional information on any auction items. We encourage bidders to register to bid live or absentee at live.DuMoArt.com where the buyer’s premium is the same as when you bid directly with DuMouchelles (24%). You may also bid at LiveAuctioneers.com or Invaluable.com (27%). View and download our full catalogue at www.DuMoArt.com. *More about the Thomas Gainsborough R.A. 1762 Portrait of William Hanson Esq. of London: Hanson is standing three-quarter length wearing a dark blue frock coat and waistcoat with gold frogging. The mid-Georgian period gilt wood frame is elaborately carved. The painting is inscribed on the lower left: “William Hanson, London, Died 1791 age 72”. William Hanson was the Grandson of William Hanson (b.1670) and inherited Osmondthorpe Hall (near Leeds) from his father John Hanson. His grandfather was the eldest son of Christopher Hanson, of Arthington, and a descendant of John de Rastricke, who assumed in 1330 the surname of Hanson. In 1738, Hanson left Yorkshire for London to join Levant Company, whose purpose was to regulate English trade with the Ottoman Empire and the Levant. He was admitted to the freedom of the Ironmongers’ Company in 1757 and to the Livery in 1758. Mr. Palmer purchased the Gainsborough from DuMouchelles on September 19, 1993 [Lot 02017] from the collection of Dr. James E. and Lenora Ross of Redlands, California. The Ross’ purchased the painting from Christie’s, London on March 27, 1981 [Lot 145] from the collection of Christopher Hanson Smith by descent through the Hanson family. Copy of Letters of Authentication, Christie’s catalogue, DuMouchelles 1993 invoice and other relevant documents will be supplied with purchase.
