A significant collection of family heirlooms and artworks assembled by the late antiques expert Hugo Morley-Fletcher is set to be sold at auction this March, showcasing six centuries of history.
Family heirlooms and artworks traced by the late Antiques Roadshow expert Hugo David Montagu Morley-Fletcher are set to be sold at auction, with events scheduled in March. Morley-Fletcher, a notable figure in the world of antiques, was born in 1940 at Yester House, a stately home in East Lothian. The estate was in the possession of the Hay family, later the Marquesses of Tweeddale, from the 15th century until the late 1960s.
The connection to Yester House profoundly influenced Morley-Fletcher’s career as a specialist in ceramics and antiques. Following the death of his grandfather, the 11th Marquess of Tweeddale, the estate was sold off in the late 1960s, leading to the dispersal of its contents. Morley-Fletcher dedicated his later career to repurchasing these heirlooms and assembling a collection that included pieces such as Old Master paintings, ceramics, and family portraits.
As revealed by Wales Online, the upcoming auction will feature six centuries of family heirlooms collected by Morley-Fletcher, scheduled to take place at Roseberys. The Old Master, British and European pictures sale will occur on March 12, and the ceramics will be included in an earlier fine and decorative sale on March 11. Among the items is a significant portrait attributed to the Dutch painter Adam de Colone, depicting John Hay, the 8th Lord Hay of Yester, which has an estimated value of £2,000 to £3,000.
In addition, a notable Meissen porcelain lobed dessert-plate from 1735, documented in Morley-Fletcher’s book, Meissen Porcelain In Colour, will also be up for auction. This plate, featuring two chinoiserie figures set against a seashore backdrop, falls into the “Earl of Jersey type,” a style associated with the Villiers family, with expected bids between £1,500 and £2,000.
Dominic Simpson, a long-time colleague of Morley-Fletcher at Christie’s, praised him, stating, “Hugo had a natural eye for art, frequently cutting straight to the key points of an object.” He noted that Morley-Fletcher’s expertise extended to various art forms beyond ceramics, underscoring his ability to recognise exceptional pieces amidst a multitude of artworks.
Lara L’vov-Basirov, head of Old Master, British and European pictures at Roseberys, commented on the collection, stating, “The collection of Hugo Morley-Fletcher reflects a lifetime of collecting and connoisseurship from a true polymath.” She highlighted the diversity of the items included, showcasing both beautiful portraits and rare porcelain.
Anna Evans, who serves as the associate director and head of furniture and works of art, elaborated on Morley-Fletcher’s influence in the ceramics landscape, indicating that his collection presents a significant opportunity for collectors. She noted the representation of major European porcelain manufacturers within the collection, illustrating Morley-Fletcher’s expansive and educated tastes in the world of antiques.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://peeragenews.blogspot.com/2023/01/hugo-david-montague-morley-fletcher.html – This article provides background information on Hugo David Montague Morley-Fletcher, including his birth and family connections, which influenced his career in antiques and ceramics.
- https://groups.google.com/g/peerage-news/c/j-u1NYKjIws – This source further details Morley-Fletcher’s family background and his role as an expert on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow.
- https://www.getty.edu/publications/resources/virtuallibrary/0892366702.pdf – Although not directly related to Morley-Fletcher, this PDF discusses Italian ceramics, which is relevant to his expertise in ceramics and antiques.
- https://www.noahwire.com – This source is mentioned as the origin of the article discussing Morley-Fletcher’s collection being sold at auction, though it does not provide specific details about the auction itself.
- https://www.roseberys.co.uk – Roseberys is the auction house hosting the sale of Morley-Fletcher’s collection, but the specific URL for the event is not provided in the search results.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative mentions upcoming auctions in March, indicating recent or future events. However, it references historical figures and past events, which are not time-sensitive.
Quotes check
Score:
6
Notes:
Quotes from Dominic Simpson and Lara L’vov-Basirov are included, but their earliest known references could not be verified online. This suggests they might be original to this context.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from Wales Online, a reputable regional news outlet. However, the reliability of specific details about the auction and Morley-Fletcher’s collection depends on the accuracy of the sources cited within the narrative.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about Morley-Fletcher’s background and the upcoming auction appear plausible, given the context and details provided. The narrative aligns with typical practices in the antiques industry.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears to be recent and relevant, with plausible claims about the auction and Morley-Fletcher’s collection. Quotes are likely original, and the source is generally reliable. Overall, the information seems accurate and trustworthy.
