Page 84 - Bonhams, FIne Chinese Art, Linda Wrigglesworth Collection, May 13, 2021 London

My passion for Chinese textiles began ‘in a box’ in 1976. After scholar once told me ‘It is always good to leave when you are at the
unwrapping a Chinese Kangxi vase from its packing, the owner, a top of your tree, because afterwards the boughs would become
porcelain dealer in Beauchamp Place, for which I was working for at old and begin to bend downwards.’ I never actually felt that way,
the time, viewed the new purchase and set aside the silk packing, but at the time, I was ready to embark on a new chapter in my life,
a ‘dragon robe’, which was intriguing to the eyes of a young lady dedicated to the study of Buddhism, my equally strong passion in life.
who had previously worked in fashion. This ‘old costume’, as the
dealer called it, wrapped around the vase ‘for protection’, was richly My love for antique Chinese costumes and textiles has never wavered
embroidered with dragons, auspicious symbols and clouds, all as I continue to share my thoughts and knowledge with collectors
executed in amazing colours. Its worn but exquisite embroidery and and academics. However, time has now come for me to sell my very
dazzling texture captured my attention and imagination. My path was own private collection of Imperial textiles, along with important pieces
set and this was the beginning of a lifelong-love. owned by my previous clients. I am delighted to work with Bonhams
on this exciting project, which will be offered in the year to come
As I started to study Chinese art and textiles, I had the unique across three different Fine Chinese Art sales. As I move through yet
opportunity to work for Roberta Deste-Appleby, an extraordinary another chapter in my life, I feel it is the right time for others to enjoy
lady, at her textiles gallery in Bond Street. There I handled a variety and become custodians of these beautiful silks, which have been so
of beautiful Imperial silks as they entered the shop. Roberta gave me much loved and cared for by myself.
the confidence to follow my dreams, alongside my kind friend George
and my dear parents supporting a head strong young lady to open One of my favourite pieces in the collection is the Imperial yellow
her own business in October 1978 selling Imperial Costumes and screen panel embroidered with Heavenly maidens and wonderful
Textiles of the Qing dynasty. Gary Dickinson, my gallery historian and Buddhist lions attending to their cubs, dating to the Qianlong reign
I co-authored in 1992 the book Imperial Wardrobe, which remains a (Lot 81). It is utterly charming, exceptionally rare and it must have
key reference work in the field of Chinese textiles to this day. been surely admired by the Qianlong emperor himself. I remember
buying this wonderful piece back in the 1980’s from Sotheby
Though the Qing Imperial wardrobes were my primary focus, I also Belgravia and my heart took a second beat! When I saw this panel
loved the Ming silks as I always felt that these were the ‘father and for the first time, I felt I would never find another embroidery so fine,
mother’ from where the Qing period elements arose. Exciting and so I secretly kept it as my hidden treasure in my cupboard for all
exhilarating as it was, my business closed in 2008. A wise Chinese these years!

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