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The Buttonhole by Charles Spencelayh
The Buttonhole by Charles Spencelayh
The Buttonhole by Charles Spencelayh
The Buttonhole by Charles Spencelayh
The Buttonhole by Charles Spencelayh
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The Buttonhole by Charles Spencelayh

  • This charming work was composed by the renowned English genre painter Charles Spencelayh
  • Entitled The Buttonhole, it reflects Spencelayh's mastery of domestic scenes
  • His meticulous attention to detail remains unsurpassed
  • His work is highly sought after, though examples rarely become available on the market
  • Get complete item description here
$88,500
Item No. 29-4020

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Description
Charles Spencelayh
1865-1958 | British

The Buttonhole

Signed “C.SPENCELAYH” (lower left) and inscribed “This Drawing was accepted into the Royal Academy but crowded out for want of space” (en verso)
  Watercolor and pencil with gum arabic on paper

One of the most important English genre painters in the Academic style, Charles Spencelayh's anecdotal scenes are among the best of his age. This work, entitled The Buttonhole, captures the celebrated painter’s preferred subject. . .
Read More
Charles Spencelayh
1865-1958 | British

The Buttonhole

Signed “C.SPENCELAYH” (lower left) and inscribed “This Drawing was accepted into the Royal Academy but crowded out for want of space” (en verso)
  Watercolor and pencil with gum arabic on paper

One of the most important English genre painters in the Academic style, Charles Spencelayh's anecdotal scenes are among the best of his age. This work, entitled The Buttonhole, captures the celebrated painter’s preferred subject – an elderly gentleman performing an ordinary task. Spencelayh’s talent for portraying the common man with an engaging sentimentality remains unsurpassed, and his everyday narratives imbue his work with an undeniable timelessness.

He trained at the National Art Training School (later renamed the Royal College of Art), where he flourished in his figural drawings. Spencelayh continued his education in Paris, where he exhibited at the Salon with much success. His primary exhibition venue throughout his career was the Royal Academy, where he showcased 30 paintings from 1923 to 1958. His incredible canvases were hung in the leading art venues of the day and gained him membership into the most prestigious art societies.

During his lifetime, Spencelayh was greatly admired by many influential collectors, including Queen Mary, who provided the artist and his family a residence in Manchester. Spencelayh painted a postage-size portrait of King George V for the Queen’s dollhouse that currently resides in Windsor Castle. Today, his work is highly sought after, though examples rarely become available on the market.

Circa 1940

Paper: 15 1/2" high x 11 3/4"
Frame: 26 1/2" high x 22 5/8" wide 



Provenance:
Charles Nicholls & Son, Manchester
Sotheby’s, Chester, 27th April 1989
Private collection, United Kingdom
Antiquira, West End
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The Buttonhole by Charles Spencelayh
Maker: Spencelayh, Charles
Period: 1919-Present
Origin: England
Type: Paintings
Style: Academic
Depth: 1.38 in. (3.49 cm)
Width: 22.63 in. (57.47 cm)
Height: 26.5 in. (67.31 cm)
Canvas Width: 11.750 in. (29.85 cm)
Canvas Height: 15.500 in. (39.37 cm)
Buy with Confidence

At Antiquira, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

The Antiquira Difference

The Antiquira Difference

The Antiquira Difference

At Antiquira, we believe that antiques are not merely objects they are vessels of history, craftsmanship, and soul. Our philosophy is rooted in a commitment to curating timeless pieces that carry stories worth preserving, and presenting them with integrity, expertise, and personal attention. We see every client relationship as a partnership in stewardship, ,where trust, knowledge, and passion guide every exchange. Our goal is simple: to offer not just the rarest and most exceptional items, but also a buying experience as enduring and refined as the treasures we provide.

-Katie Phillips, Owner

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Antiquira is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private collections; many are fresh to the market. Founded on Katie Phillips’s expertise in the field, our specialisms range from Old Master pictures to Modern Art masterpieces. We regularly exhibit Dutch, Flemish, and Italian Old Masters, Academic, Orientalist, Barbizon, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Maritime & Sporting, British Neoclassical and American Illustration.

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For more than a century, Antiquira has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, Antiquira houses an extraordinary collection of fine jewels to satisfy the most discerning collector. Stunning creations by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston and Patek Philippe are offered alongside extreme rarities such as vivid yellow, pink and blue diamonds, coveted Burma and Kashmir sapphires and elusive Golconda diamonds prized for their fire and perfection. Iconic jewels from the Art Deco, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Victorian periods round out the collection.

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Since 1923, Antiquira has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the. . .

Since 1923, Antiquira has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the world’s most extraordinary and beautiful treasures has remained steadfast and our acquisition philosophy is simple: seek out and acquire only the very finest works whose provenance, beauty and rarity set them apart from all others. Our clients can be certain that each and every piece in our gallery has been hand-selected and carefully vetted for authenticity, condition and provenance. And, because our network of contacts spans generations, we are often able to acquire pieces that may have otherwise never been available on the market.

Whether you are just starting your collection, adding to an existing collection or even decorating your home, our team’s knowledge and experience can assist you in your endeavor. We have services and procedures in place to make your acquisition process both enjoyable and efficient.