What's On: The Collection of Sydney Denton at Sotheby's New Bond Street

Auction paddles at the ready as the Sydney Denton collection of British ceramics, one of the finest collections of its kind to remain in private hands, goes under the hammer this month at Sotheby's New Bond Street. 

Comprising over 200 lots, the sale captures a seminal moment in British ceramics. Along with their sheer scale and variety, the quality and provenance of the pieces within the collection are nothing short of exceptional. With a combined value in the region of £800,000, this prestigious single-owner sale will be presented in two parts: a live auction at Sotheby's New Bond Street for the top 40 lots on 26 June and an online sale for the remainder of the collection, which will close for bidding on 27 June.

Sylvanus Sydney Denton passed away in 2024, aged 90. He lived in Oxford his entire life, where he ran a bicycle shop which turned into a thriving business, allowing him to indulge his love of ceramics. Outside of work, he would visit exhibitions and artists’ studios to keep abreast of contemporary ceramics and the makers of the time, purchasing pieces for his collection as often as he could. 

Unlike other collectors, Denton did not buy for future investment but rather for the sheer love of colour and form, seeking out ceramics he wanted to surround himself with in his own home. He was also said to be meticulous about archiving the collection. Each pot was kept next to a laminated label with the maker’s name on it, displayed in neat rows on every available surface in his terrace house. 

Over the years, Denton became an early patron and friend to both emerging and established ceramicists, most notably forging a long-lasting friendship with Magdalene Odundo, whose work features in the collection, including the two highest value lots at £150,000-250,000 each. Other coveted creations by Hans Coper, Lucie Rie and William Newland will also feature in the sale, which promises to have bidders on the edge of their seats. 

Sotheby's, 34-35 New Bond Street, London W1A 2AA