Lot 1211
THE PROPERTY OF THE ACTRESS, THE LATE DINAH SHERIDAN (1920-2012)
A UNIQUE DIAMOND BROOCH
formed as a columbine, the petals set with graduated circular-cut yellow and white diamonds, with fire opals set to the stamens, in gold, the centre part of the trumpet springs open to reveal a portrait miniature of Dinah Sheridan by the artist Douglas Anderson, 9.5cm. high.
In a green leather fitted case signed to the inside David Mappin F.G.A.
This lot is accompanied by a letter dated 20th September 1961 from David John Mappin, David Mappin (London) Ltd.,157 Sloane Street, London S.W.1., to Mrs. John Davis (Dinah Sheridan) enclosing details of this brooch as their entry to De Beers' Open Competition, Modern British Jewellery, Category D, which was part of the International Exhibition of Modern Jewellery 1890-1961, held at The Goldsmiths Hall, London, in 1961.
This letter lists the consortium involved in the design of the brooch as follows:
Douglas Anderson - Artist of the portrait in miniature
Harry Elisha - Master Craftsman in mounting and setting
Tom Hustler - Photographer
David Mappin - Gemmologist and Co-ordinator
Anne Seymour - Artist of the diamond plan sketches
Moyes Stevens - Floral advice
The brooch had already been bought by Sir John Davis (Chairman of the Rank Organisation), husband of Dinah Sheridan.
Text for photo:
Dinah Sheridan at Pinewood Studios with Film Director Ralph Thomas and Beryl Maudling, wife of the Chancellor Reginald Maudling, at a showing of 'The Wind Cannot Read'