A collection of 23 Martinware birds, from two single owner collections, is to be sold at Phillips New York auction rooms on the 16th December in their Wondrous Beasts, Feathered Fantasies: R.W. Martin & Brothers auction. The 23 pieces (19 Wally bird jars and 4 grotesques) include items from previous major sales and exhibitions including the 1978 Richard Dennis show at Sotheby’s ‘Boobies, Boojums and Snarks’ and the Harriman-Judd collection at Sotheby’s in 2001. Highlights include a 1889 R. W. Martin & Brothers Benjamin Disraeli characterized as a fantastical bird jar and cover and a 1894 R. W. Martin & Brothers Grotesque and Smiling Armadillo Creature.

The auction takes place at Phillips, 450 Park Avenue, New York  on the 16 December 11am with viewing on 12 – 16 November & 9 – 15 December Monday – Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 12pm-6pm.There is also viewing in London (30 Berkeley Square) from the 24 October – 3 November, Monday – Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 12pm-6pm.

For more information visit Phillips.