A group of five 8in (20cm) William de Morgan (1839-1917) tiles drew lively competitive bids at Cuttlestones in Wolverhampton on June 8.
Four Sands End Pottery tiles depicting large exotic birds amongst stylised foliage, plus an individual eagle tile impressed with the Merton Abbey mark, pictured right, were part of an estate to be sold without reserve. Together they formed part of a once spectacular and relatively unusual de Morgan panel.
Offered as a single lot and estimated at £300-500, the tiles were knocked down at £13,000 (plus 17.5% buyer’s premium) to a local private collector against interest from the internet.