Get Grand Tour style for your home with objects at auction
03 March 2023 The Grand Tour, the 17th- to early 19th-century aristocratic custom of a trip to Italy to expand your education and cultural horizons, saw thousands of objects and artefacts brough back from Europe to Britain.
Examples of 'Grand Tour' items from previous sales at Sworders.
Recreate this look in your own home with items at online auctions. At Sworders Fine Interiors sale on March 14-15 there is a plethora of lots to consider.
Here is a selection to bid for at auction via thesaleroom.com.
Specimen table
A specimen marble centre table estimated at £4000-6000 at Sworders' March 14-15 sale.
A specimen marble centre table is a definite way to show off that Grand Tour style. Often associated with the city of Florence, specimen table tops of this sort are typical of the Grand Tour. This Italian example is early 19th century and includes a lapis lazuli roundel, within numerous radiating marble and hardstone specimens, raised on a William IV ebonised tripod base.
Mirror
This Renaissance-style painted and parcel-gilt tabernacle mirror is estimated at £2000-4000.
This Renaissance-style painted and parcel-gilt North Italian tabernacle mirror, probably 19th century but incorporating 16th century elements, comes from the collection of the late John Scott-Oldfield from his home at 65 Warwick Square in London.
Temple souvenir
A 19th century Italian marble souvenir of the Temple of Vespasian and Titus on a black marble base, estimated at £2500-3500.
Model of Trajan’s column
An Italian carved walnut model of Trajan's Column dating to the early 20th century and estimated at £800-1200.
Decorative dish
A 19th century gilt-metal and pietra dura dish with cameos depicting butterflies. It is estimated at £300-500.
