Clarice Cliff, Art Deco & 20th Century Design - 20th April 2016
Lot 1553
A rare Dunhill Aquarium perspex cigarette box and cover by Margaret Bennett
Estimate £1,500 - £2,000 | Hammer £7500
+ Buyers Premium
Description
A rare Dunhill Aquarium perspex cigarette box and cover by Margaret Bennett, rectangular, the sides reverse painted with exotic and tropical fish amongst waterweed, the cover an aerial view of a pond with flowering water-lily and pads, cedar lining, the base with felt, hinged cover, unsigned, the cover missing hinge 18.5cm. x 11cm, 5.5cm. high
Provenance
Lady Docker (1906-1983).
Very few of these aquarium boxes were produced, this box was commissioned by Sir Bernard & Lady Docker along with a similar, larger cigar box for Sir Winston Churchill. The Bennett's were only told of the recipient once the box had been completed.
The Docker's were notorious socialites in the post war period. Sir Bernard was the chairman of BSA group whilst Lady Docker was appointed as a director of the coach builder Hooper & Co. - with a role to advise on style. This resulted in numerous extraordinary motor cars including The Golden Car (a golden Daimler), 1951, a car covered in 7000 gold stars, and The Golden Zebra, 1955, with gold plated trim, an ivory dashboard and zebra trim upholstery. Lady Docker also owned a yacht Shemara.