Strauss & co - 18 November 2019, Cape Town

Lot 188 A pair of Chinese green fluorite crystal and gilt-metal mounted vases and covers, late 19th century (part lot) (see item in image on opposite page - bottom left) Charles, meanwhile, had been captured by the Japanese in April 1942, when Singapore fell. He was transferred to Changi internment camp for civilians. Not one of the family’s numerous letters reached him and it was only a year later, on their wedding anniversary in June, 1943, that Muriel learned of his whereabouts. Indian troops liberated the prison in September, 1945, and Charles was amongst those freed. After a joyous reunion in Cape Town, he and Muriel returned to England and Charles resumed the family businesses. They finally returned to their beloved Harcroft in 1946. It had suffered the ravages of war but the remaining staff were overjoyed to see them and they set about rebuilding the property. Anti-British sentiment was rife and the area was still in a state of unrest by 1949. An estate guard was put in place to protect the estate and factory. Perak, the province in which Harcroft was situated, was only to gain independence from British rule in 1957. Despite the setbacks, these were happy and prosperous years, with various staff presentations, including the pair of silver three-branch candlesticks which feature on the auction. Eventually, the estate and factory were sold to a Chinese couple and in the 1950s the Rycroft’s left Malaysia and retired to Cape Town. They found a suitable property in the heart of Constantia and purchased it on 8 March, 1951. The land was the most southern part of Klaasenbosch Farm and a portion of erf 118, Constantia, which had been subdivided in 1886. Arnold Spilhaus, founder of the Spilhaus emporium, bought the remaining Klaasenbosch Farm in 1906 and after his death in 1946 it was divided and sold off in sections. The new Rycroft home had previously belonged to the Baxter family, who were great supporters of the arts. Charles and Muriel named their estate Harcroft and developed it and the manor house to its present Arts and Crafts style. The similarities between the two properties are numerous and antiques from Harcroft, Malaysia, found a new home in Harcroft, Cape Town. Added to these were others which confirm their superb taste as collectors. The emphasis lies in the oriental, and the jades, ivories, scroll paintings and furniture are a testament to this. As well as having access to Muriel’s diaries, we are indebted to her for her love of compiling photograph albums that provide a wealth of research material, images of the interiors of both homes and glimpses into their daily lives. Muriel died in 1974 and in 1981 Charles married the widow, Louise Jackson, Muriel’s long-time friend. Charles and Louise were passionate about the preservation of endangered species and were able through the HARCROFT Foundation, to give valuable assistance to The Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust in Jersey and became good friends with Lee and Gerald Durrell. Louise continued her support after Charles’s death in 1998. She was well known for her love of animals and through her generosity and compassion many species are now well on their way to being saved. Louise remained at Harcroft until her death in 2014, aged 106. It is thanks to her dedication to Charles’s memory that the house has been so well preserved, allowing us to step back in time and experience the rich history that pervades the grounds and home. It is with great pleasure that Strauss & Co will auction the contents of Harcroft House in Constantia, Cape Town on 18 November 2019. 8