A Modern Antiquarian

While a 'modern antiquarian' seems contradictory, the collection of Graham Slater (1927-2024) encompasses just this paradox as it represents a very selective, predominantly British history of the last 2000 years. Anglo-Gallic coins rub shoulders with Modern British pictures and prints by the likes of Patrick Heron and John Piper, while the vast collection of English delftware (offered at Bonhams in support of Art Fund) encapsulates one man's fascination with this very specific period in English craftmanship.

Discovery and research weave their way through the collection; both chance encounters with fragments of pottery washed up on the shores of the Thames and dedicated and methodical research which led to Graham becoming a true authority on English delftware. His most notable academic achievement is his work on 'Fecundity' dishes which resulted in a first of its kind, comprehensive paper on the history of these dishes, given to the English Ceramic Circle in 1997.

Bonhams is delighted to showcase this collection in our New Bond Street salerooms in April 2025, allowing this eclectic collection to be displayed together for one last time.

The sale of the English delftware will support Art Fund's work with museums across the UK, specifically its funding for museum professionals through the Expanding Horizons campaign - a major investment in expertise and development opportunities for people who bring museum collections to life, from curators to conservators, educator to exhibition-makers.

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