Woolley and Wallis: Stories of the Sea

An evening of discovery from the specialists at Woolley and Wallis

The sea has long connected people, cultures and ideas, leaving its mark on the objects that survive today. In this special summer evening at Arundells, three specialists from Woolley and Wallis will explore remarkable objects linked by maritime trade, naval history and global exchange. Through stories that span centuries and continents, their talks reveal how the maritime world has shaped both the objects we treasure and the histories they embody.

Date: Thursday 23 July
Time: Doors from 5.30pm, talks begin: 7pm
Where: Arundells, 59 Cathedral Close, Salisbury, SP1 2EN
Tickets: £18

The evening will conclude with an audience question-and-answer session with the speakers.
We will be running a bar at this event.

Our Speakers:

Alexandra Aguilar:

Asian Art specialist and Head of the Japanese Art Department

Alex’s talk will highlight one of her favourite discoveries brought to auction: a spectacular 17th-century Japanese lacquer cabinet once owned by the Barclays banking dynasty. Through its intricate decoration, the cabinet reveals a vivid story of global exchange, depicting Dutch East India Company ships arriving at the island of Dejima during Japan’s Edo period; a rare and extraordinary glimpse into the meeting of East and West across the seas.

John Axford:

Chairman and Asian Art Specialist

John’s talk will explore a remarkable group of 18th-century privateer wine glasses, engraved with the names and images of ships licensed by the Crown to attack enemy vessels during wartime. These rare commemorative objects offer a fascinating glimpse into England’s swashbuckling naval history, revealing how maritime success, national pride and personal ambition were celebrated through the decorative arts.

Ned Cowell:

Associate Director and Medals & Coins and Arms & Armour

Ned’s talk will focus on the remarkable objects crafted by French prisoners of war during the Napoleonic Wars. Among the most celebrated are intricate bone ship models, painstakingly made from discarded materials while held in British prisons. Using four examples from the Arundells collection, Ned will explore the skill, ingenuity and human stories behind these extraordinary survivals of the early nineteenth century.

Woolley and Wallis

Woolley and Wallis was founded in 1884, it holds thirty specialist sales a year, spread between nine departments headed up by leading experts in their field. The saleroom prides itself on combining a high level of expertise and professionalism, with the friendly attitude and personal service that clients have come to expect from this long-standing firm.

Additional Details

There is no parking at Arundells, we recommend using city centre car parks.

All tickets are non refundable but you are very welcome to pass them on to friends or family if you are unable to attend.