Whilst tiger flambé sounds like a serving suggestion in which wildlife activists might take an interest, this unique form of porcelain glazing will be on the menu at Moore Allen & Innocent’s next antiques and general sale at Cirencester on Friday, January 18.

“The flambé method of glazing was perfected by the renowned artist Charles Noke at Royal Doulton in the early part of the 20th century,” explained auctioneer Philip Allwood. “When Noke died the method died with him and Royal Doulton didn’t work out how to do it again until the beginning of this century.”

The flambé method involves applying a red glaze to a standard sculpture. In Noke’s animal ranges there are versions with normal colouring and a very limited number of flambéd models. Tiger Crouching – a Noke original from the early part of the 20th century, measuring nine inches in length, is estimated at £150 to £200.

The work of another well-known 20th century artist, Sir Nicholas Fairbairn, will also be going under the hammer, although it is not his art for which he is most famous.

“In 1988 Sir Nicholas was knighted not for his contribution to the art world, but for his colourful political career,” said Philip. “As a Scottish Tory MP from 1974 until his death in 1995, Fairbairn was a staunch Thatcherite and always good for a quote. He famously said, after John Major’s appointment as party leader in 1990, that to call the new prime minister grey would be ‘an insult to porridge’.

“A keen artist, he was often spotted drawing sketches of fellow MPs during committee sessions, and also painted and drew on his travels. Two of three chalk, pastel and charcoal pictures at the auction, San Miguel of Alcende and Mexican Children on Their Way to School were completed in 1994, just months before his death. His interpretation of St John’s Street, Perth is undated, but in the same medium and almost certainly produced at around the same time.”

All three pictures have been signed by the artist and are collectively expected to achieve between £50 and £80.

From renowned sculptors and artists to furniture makers of note, and a huge Heal’s four-poster bed is attracting a lot of attention – and not just because of its sheer size, dwarfing the furniture surrounding it.

“Heal’s is a famous London furniture manufacturer, established in 1810 and renowned for its quality craftsmanship,” said Philip. “Even today Heal’s beds are said to be the world’s finest; handmade by craftsmen using natural materials and traditional methods. A new Heal’s bed can cost £2,000 or more.”

The example at the auction is a four-poster from the 1940s or 50s. Solidly made from English oak, the carved headboard is decorated in the Tudor manner and a plaque on the woodwork bears the maker’s name. The bed is expected to achieve between £400 and £600.

Items are now sought for Moore Allen & Innocent’s Norcote ever-popular sale of sporting items on Friday, February 1. For more information about buying or selling antiques look on this website or call 01285 646050

	Three chalk, pastel and charcoal drawings by controversial MP Sir Nicholas Fairbairn, valued at £50 to £80.
Tiger Crouching, glazed in the flambé method, by Charles Noke of Royal Dalton, which is expected to achieve between £150 and £200.	A Heal’s four-poster bed, from the mid 20th century, in the Tudor style, which is expected to achieve between £400 and £600.