A CHINESE EXPORT BLACK AND GILT-LACQUER PEMBROKE TABLE

The Hon. Mrs. Ionides was the daughter of Sir Marcus Samuel, 1st Viscount Bearsted. After her first husband, Walter Levy, died in 1923, Nellie married Basil Ionides, the pioneering Art Deco designer of the Savoy Theatre and Claridges Hotel. He was also the author of one of the earliest books on modern interior decoration: Colour & Interior Decoration, 1926. In 1931 they moved into the splendid 18th century Palladian mansion, Buxted Park, Sussex, which they gradually transformed in their unique style. Both husband and wife were keen collectors: he came from a long line of patrons and benefactors, whilst she focused her attention on amassing exceptionally fine paintings, furniture, objets d'art and Chinese porcelain.