The Iconic Clarice Cliff Sale The Sevi Guatelli Collection “YOU MUST BE KICKING YOURSELF” Bonhams 18th March 2009 The sale comprised of what can only be described as the best collection of Clarice Cliff that I have seen in many years. It was an unusual sale in that most Lots very definitely belonged to the top end of Clarice. Consequently, most estimates were at prices that perhaps, the average Clarice collector couldn’t aspire to. The cheapest estimate for a lot being £500 and many lots having estimates into the thousands. I had anticipated that the sale would be a roaring success in financial terms. It didn’t quite work out that way! Even so, a lot of money changed hands on the day. The ratio of sold lots was reasonably respectable at about 64%, but not the ratio that I was expecting. Overall, most lots were sold at or around the lower estimate. Notable exceptions were the Green House miniature making £2200 (est £7-900), Red Tree Stamford part set without cups/saucers selling for £5,800 (est £2-3,000) and the Inspiration Butterfly small Meiping Vase reaching £1,700 (est £7-900). All four of the May Avenue pieces sold. A Bonjour Cruet Set made £2,100; A Biarritz Plate with damage went for £1,900; A Bonjour Vase at £3,400 was a bargain and a shape 205 vase sold for £4,500. Most of the Applique range items managed to sell ( 12 out of 19). The highest price being £6000 for a Globe Vase in Windmill. A superb Liner Vase in Mountain sold for £4000 and I am regretting that I didn’t take it home for that price. One of the major disappointments was the collection of Sunspots items. A total of eleven Lots were offered and only 3 sold. Undoubtedly, Sunspots is a very rare and admired pattern. However, its very rareness means that there aren’t really that many Sunspots collectors out there. There was some magnificent Abstracts in great shapes in the sale (369 and Yoo Yoo Vases). I thought these in particular would fly past their estimates. However, like the majority of lots they sold for the bottom end of their estimates. A Football Yoo Yoo for £6,500; A Sunray 368 for £2,800; A Football 369 for £6,500; A Café 200 for £7,500. These prices are a lot of money to most Clarice collectors BUT they were BARGAINS. I suspect that many people attending the sale will now be kicking themselves that they did not acquire one of these bargains. Although had they actually bid , then the prices would have somewhat moved up. The sale was possibly a unique chance to acquire a very special piece of Clarice. decodance@yahoo.co.uk