David and Gloria were thus well placed to assemble an eclectic collection of works of art, with an emphasis on the modern and contemporary. Ben Nicholson’s 1945 (Still Life), above, an abstract composition in oil and pencil and typical of the works collected by the couple, will be offered in the ONE sale on 10 July at Christie’s in London.
After David’s death in 1975, Gloria married Henry, 8th Earl Bathurst, and moved into the family’s splendid seat, Cirencester Park. In 1988 Lord and Lady Bathurst moved to Manor Farm within the estate, where Gloria remained until her death in 2018.
‘All of her works of art were combined in happy juxtaposition in the [house’s] elegant and comfortable rooms,’ recalls Cator.
Read on to discover the stories behind a selection of works in the collection.
A Queen Anne embroidered bedcover
This beautiful embroidered Queen Anne bedspread (circa 1710) was almost certainly a personal gift from Queen Anne to Frances Apsley (1653-1727), wife of Sir Benjamin Bathurst (1639-1704) and intimate friend and Maid of Honour to both Queen Mary and Queen Anne. It has been treasured by the family as an historic heirloom since.
