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Amy Corcoran is the Director of New England, based in Boston, Massachusetts. Amy joined Bonhams in 2011, bringing a wealth of art world experience having handled the marketing, sale and management of art and estate collections at auction for over twenty-five years. Here, Amy shares some of her fascinating recent finds from across the New England region.

If you are looking for an auction estimate or interested in consigning to a future auction, contact Amy.Corcoran@bonhams.com to arrange a complimentary and confidential valuation or visit sell.bonhams.com.

1932 Bugatti Type 55 Supersport Roadster

Found in Massachusetts and sold in The Amelia Island Auction in 2020 for $7,100,000.

This incredible 1932 Bugatti Type 55 Supersport Roadster was owned by a Boston University Physics Professor with a penchant for rare and expensive cars. Its original owner was Victor Rothschild, later Baron Rothschild a noted ‘Bugattiste’, who bought the car at a mere 22 years old while studying physiology at Trinity College in Cambridge. Mr. Edmonds had long coveted the car, tracked its ownership over the years and was surprised when he received a call from a friend who notified him that it would be sold by auction. Edmonds juggled his teaching schedule, hopped on the Concorde and headed to London. He outbid collectors and institutions to secure it for a then record of £440,000. The car would go on to take First in Class at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 1993 and true to his wishes to enjoy and use fine automobiles, he would successfully complete the Mille Miglia in 1994, and continue to show and tour the car during his life.

Demas Nwoko (Nigerian, born 1935), Children on Cycles

Found in Massachusetts and sold in New York in 2019 for $225,075.

I was asked to inspect an African painting inherited by a fellow in Cape Cod and, as I was leaving, he asked to show me another unsigned painting he had hidden under a bed. He said that he had no idea who the artist was and didn’t think we would be interested. I was able to locate a nearly invisible inscription in pencil on the back of the panel from which I identified the artist. I sent an image to our Modern African Art specialist in London who upon seeing it called me immediately to say, “This is a lost masterpiece by Demas Nwoko. I’ve been searching for this painting for many years!” It sold for $225,000 setting a world record for the artist.

Demas Nwoko (Nigerian, born 1935), *Children on Cycles*. Sold for $225,075 inc. premium in Modern & Contemporary African Art, 2 May 2019.

Demas Nwoko (Nigerian, born 1935), *Children on Cycles*. Sold for $225,075 inc. premium in Modern & Contemporary African Art, 2 May 2019.

Schedel, Hartmann. 1440-1514. Liber chronicarum. Nuremberg: Anton Koberger for Sebald Schreyer and Sebastian Kammermeister, 12th July 1493

Found in Massachusetts and sold in New York in 2020 for $437,812.

Last year, we had the opportunity to offer a Conchology library from a Boston-area estate. It was only after we had secured the consignment that the heirs revealed that in the 1960’s, their father had acquired an extremely rare copy of the so-called “Nuremburg Chronicle” of 1493. This rare and beautiful volume, which retained its original pigskin binding and features over 300 page of hand-colored woodcuts, set a world record, selling for $437,812.

Phoebe Anna Traquair

Found in New Hampshire and sold in Edinburgh in 2020.

Another incredible find was a collection of artwork by the pioneering Scottish artist of the Arts & Crafts Movement, Phoebe Anna Traquair. In 1920, Traquair became the first woman to be elected to the Royal Scottish Academy. This collection of paintings, leatherwork and enamel work was consigned by a descendant of the artist living in New Hampshire. Her work rarely appears at auction so it created quite a sensation and we received extensive press coverage and saw multiple institutions competing fiercely for the pieces.

Phoebe Anna Traquair (1852-1936), *Reverie*. Sold for $29,573 inc. premium in The Scottish Sale, 14 Oct 2020.

Phoebe Anna Traquair (1852-1936), *Reverie*. Sold for $29,573 inc. premium in The Scottish Sale, 14 Oct 2020.

With specialists based in towns and cities worldwide, Bonhams is your local auction house.

We provide the very best expertise in over sixty collecting categories, including fine art, antiques, jewelry, watches and motoring. Our local teams will ensure that you receive the highest quality services to make every auction experience as easy and enjoyable as possible - whether you are buying or selling.

Our representatives and specialists are happy to assist you with any questions you may have. Contact Amy at Amy.Corcoran@bonhams.com to arrange a valuation and receive expert advice, wherever you are.