Chris Holmes Antiques

10/06/2026

Some perfect Summer moments 🌞

08/06/2026

A pair of exceptionally fine and rare large polychrome Venetian Angels. Late 17th Century.

They are characteristically High Baroque and painted to resemble marble.
Kneeling in dramatic poses on graphic swirls of heavenly clouds, and adorned in fluid luminous gold water-gilded sashes. Remarkably the majority of their original polychrome remains. With incredible life-like detail, even down to the finely painted eyebrows on their serene faces. One Angel clasps it’s chest, another splays it’s fingers on an outstretched arm.

Provenance from a Milanese families private collection and originally purchased in Venice.
(Size per Angel)
Width 55cm (1′10″)
Height 101cm (3′4″)
Depth 37cm (1′3″)
Reference No. TBD4Z

08/06/2026

A pair of exceptionally fine and rare large polychrome Venetian Angels. Late 17th Century.

They are characteristically High Baroque and painted to resemble marble.
Kneeling in dramatic poses on graphic swirls of heavenly clouds, and adorned in fluid luminous gold water-gilded sashes. Remarkably the majority of their original polychrome remains. With incredible life-like detail, even down to the finely painted eyebrows on their serene faces. One Angel clasps it’s chest, another splays it’s fingers on an outstretched arm.

Provenance from a Milanese families private collection and originally purchased in Venice.
(Size per Angel)
Width 55cm (1′10″)
Height 101cm (3′4″)
Depth 37cm (1′3″)
Reference No. TBD4Z

07/06/2026

A striking chair sculpted from a single piece of timber, its form radiating in a dramatic star-like configuration. Mid 20th Century.

Primitive in character and powerful in silhouette, the piece bridges the line between functional seat and natural sculpture. The surface bears the marks of age and exposure, with beautifully worn grain, deep crevices and a time-softened patina.

Ideal for use in a stumpery, woodland garden or naturalistic landscape, though equally at home as an interior statement — a sculptural form with strong architectural presence. Naturally hollowed to accommodate seating, it invites quiet use as well as visual admiration.

A singular and elemental object, shaped by time and nature.

Seat space 40 x 40 cm
Width: 103 cm (40.55″)
Height: 110 cm (43.31″)
Depth: 97 cm (38.19″)
wabisabi primitivestyle rustic rusticdecor mid20thcentury chrisholmesantiques garden gardendesign gardenfurniture knaresborough gardenantiques green gardenart walledgarden secretgarden teakbench gardenbench

07/06/2026

05/06/2026

An armillary sphere is a symbol of our enduring fascination with the heavens, bringing a sense of time, movement and celestial beauty to the garden.

This mid-20th century example is formed in wrought iron with a copper numerical band, its surface carrying successive layers of paint accumulated over decades. The final black coat has softened with age, allowing traces of earlier colours to emerge and create a beautifully weathered character.

Mounted on an English Victorian stone column and raised on a hand-chiselled stone block, the pedestal is richly textured with lichens and mosses, adding further depth and presence. Together they create a striking focal point for a garden, courtyard or landscape setting.

173cm high × 42cm wide × 60cm deep

Available now at Chris Holmes Antiques.

To enquire about this garden feature or to discuss delivery, please contact Chris Holmes Antiques. A characterful piece that would make a wonderful addition to any period garden or landscape design.

Email: [email protected]

LandscapeDesign VictorianGarden ArchitecturalAntiques OutdoorDecor AntiqueDecor

26/05/2026

Peace, tranquillity, sunshine…and a garden filled with sculptural classical statues! What more could one wish for! ⛲️

Take a look at our collection at chrisholmesantiques.co.uk and make an in-person appointment to view more.
Call: +44(0)7771 962494
Email: [email protected]

26/05/2026

One of our latest arrivals looking majestic in the late afternoon sunshine - “Near Life-Size Bacchus Statue after Sansovino, Early 20th Century”

Take a look at our “Garden” 🪴 collection at chrisholmesantiques.co.uk for more inspiration and fabulous pieces for your home & garden!

24/05/2026

There’s something timeless about the sound of water in a garden.

Chris talks through this impressive Italianate tiered fountain inspired by the formal villa gardens of Renaissance Italy — with its graduated octagonal tiers, weathered cream surface and classical pineapple finial symbolising hospitality and abundance.

Standing at 210 cm high and 110 cm wide, it brings real architectural presence to a courtyard or planted garden setting, particularly once the water begins to move through the tiers.

Late 20th century.