Jacu Strauss’s Top Picks from The Connoisseur’s Library Sale

Jacu Strauss, Creative Director of the Lore Group, oversees all things design and interiors across a growing portfolio of highly aesthetic hotels—including the redesign and launch of One Hundred Shoreditch, as well as the award-winning Dutch hotel Pulitzer Amsterdam and boutique hotel Riggs Washington DC.

Here, we asked Jacu to pick his six favourite lots from The Connoisseur's Library Sale auction in London and tell us how he would style them.

Lot 84

A pair of 19th century Chinese wallpaper panels

The exquisite colours and details of the bird and the flowers in these 19th century Chinese wallpaper panels are a real taste of the exotic, and are artworks in their own right. Over 2.5m high and 1.3m wide, they are eye-catching and beautifully framed in giltwood frames.

How I'd style it: The scale of these panels means that you can add some drama to a wall space without needing anything else. They can be placed as the centrepiece artwork in any living space. But I could also place them in narrower spaces where there is often a lot of wall space but little room for anything else, such as in hallways and corridors. They can be positioned either side by side or opposite one another. Good lighting will also make these come to life even more.

Lot 105

A Kirman wool rug from Central Persia

A good Persian rug is one of the best single ways to elevate a wide variety of interiors. The patterns and colours in this rug are mesmerising and well balanced. This is an excellent example of the extraordinary art of Persian rug-making, and the timelessness it represents.

How I'd style it: One of the things I learned in adulthood is that, although rugs are expensive, they are one of the best single ways to elevate a variety of spaces. They provide softness in a space. A rug like this one brings instant charm and character to any interior, as well as amazing value. It is so versatile that it works in traditional and contemporary spaces. This Persian wool rug is also an ideal size for most living spaces. It is a great way to bring together an eclectic mix of furniture both old and new.

Lot 359

Ndidi Ekubia: A Britannia standard large silver jug

Silver is my favourite metal. The tone of silver has more warmth and depth than other more commonly seen metals like stainless steel and chrome plating. I particularly love how it is still used as a noble material of choice in modern pieces, like this silver jug by British silversmith Ndidi Ekubia MBE. Ndidi is a master crafter and the organic shape and textures of this jug is her signature style.

How I'd style it: The piece is the styling. It can be displayed in its own right as a beautiful object. But like most silver, it can—and I believe should be—used. Perhaps in this case on special occasions. Some people find silver a bit daunting in a sour modern world, with fears it requires a lot of maintenance, but this is not true. A little bit of care occasionally goes a long way.

Lot 294

A rare late 19th century Elkington and Co. silvered and parcel gilt electroplated 'Faith, Hope and Charity' figural mantel clock

One may think that timepieces, such as mantel and grandfather clocks, are a thing of the past. But I disagree. I find them fascinating. Mantel clocks like these are beautifully-crafted sculptures telling a story, combined with the mechanical wonder of timekeeping engineering. I find the subtle sound of a clock ticking and chiming very comforting.

How I'd style it: The silver and parcel gilt finishing makes it ideal for a place that needs a little sparkle. The addition of good lighting will make this piece come to life. But it is not just for mantels: it would be a great centrepiece on a sideboard, a hall table, a desk or even a nightstand. I also think mantel clocks such as this example are complementary when displayed alongside contemporary pieces.

Lot 422

A late George III or Regency mahogany and ebonised line-inlaid Carlton House desk

It is impossible not to fall in love with such a beautifully made Georgian Carlton desk. The quality of the woodwork and the intricacies of the design, with all the curves and drawers, make it a very desirable piece. I am especially intrigued by the mysteries of who may have used this, what might have been written here, and what was stored in the 15 drawers. Antique desks like this one are valuable yet can also be enjoyed and engaged with.

How I'd style it: Lifestyles change and so do our requirements for certain pieces of furniture. Desks may no longer be the go-to necessity for modern living but pieces such as this are much more practical and versatile beyond their use as a conventional desk. I have used similar examples as a dressing table and even hall tables because of their compact size compared to larger desks. Team it with a small upholstered or porcelain stool instead of a chair to save space which you can tuck underneath. I myself have substituted a nightstand for a small Carlton desk in a bedroom and it worked out brilliantly.

Lot 243

A charming English raised and metal tread couched floral picture

This couched floral picture is beautifully crafted and balanced, yet it is something a little different from other more conventional painted still life scenes. There is something soothing about floral artworks. The metal treads and subtle colours of the flowers is a great combination.

How I'd style it: This is a piece that can be displayed with a variety of other artworks, but I would give it enough breathing space to stand on its own. With the help of good lighting, the colours and metal treads will jump out of the image.

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