Life is Beautiful: London
Life is Beautiful: London
From the collection of Lady Sarah Aspinall
Lot Closed
September 9, 03:38 PM GMT
Estimate
1,000 - 2,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
One set with turquoise, two stones deficient, size N; three set with carnelian, size K and P; one set with opal, diamond and enamel, size N; one set with opal and diamonds, size J; one designed as a band of hearts, size L; one signet ring with entwined C's, size D, British hallmarks; one set with three turquoise cabochons, size K; one of spiral design ending in two hearts, size M; one designed as a band of imitation diamonds, size P; one made of wood set with imitation stones, size M; one set with a tourmaline within a red acrylic shank, size M, French assay mark and maker's mark; one set with a red imitation stone, size M; one set with rose-cut diamonds on an orange band, size P; and one set with brilliant-cut diamonds on a mesh band, size J, Italian maker's mark.
Lady Sarah Aspinall (née Curzon), born in 1945, was the daughter of Francis Curzon, 5th Earl Howe (1884-1964), five times British motor racing champion and winner of Le Man and Mille Miglia. The world of motor sport was a consistent theme in her life when in 1966 she went onto marry the racing driver Piers Courage (1942-1970) with whom she had two children. Their wedding was a society highlight and is well remembered for the iconic image of Lady Aspinall with her veil being dramatically blown behind her in the wind. Sadly, Courage’s life prematurely came to an end in a devastating crash at the 1970 Dutch F1 Grand Prix, caused by an engine malfunction. Life continued with her second husband John Aspinall (1926-2000), zoo owner and gambling host, whom she met through parties hosted at Aspinall’s house, Howletts. Her marriage saw her care not only for her children but for the exotic animals populating Howletts and Port Lympne, his two zoos. Aspinall passed away in 2000 from cancer. The Aspinall Foundation continues his work in the promotion of wildlife conservation.