SUMMER 2007 AUCTION HIGHLIGHTS

There was a hive of activity at Richard Winterton’s summer Fine Art & Collectors Auction held over two days on 25th/26th July. Despite the recent misery of floods in the UK, this did not put a dampener on the success of the auction. Buyers turned out and showed a keen interest in all sections of the sale. Virtually all Lots sold with most pre-sale estimates being exceeded.

As usual, only hand-picked privately entered Lots all to be sold were on offer here – no showy pieces with unrealistic reserves as so often happens these days. This philosophy paid off in a high selling rate and healthy sale total.

In the ceramics section, a collection of Poole Pottery designed stoneware animal sculptures proved popular with Lot 183, Sandpiper by Barbara Linley sold for £380. Lot 263, a Doulton Lambeth vase with equestrian decoration by Hannah Barlow sold within the guide for £450. Royal Worcester fruit decorated wares continue in popularity with lot 262, a recent pair of twin-handled vases signed ‘Nutt’ sold to a telephone bidder for £1150.

Antique furniture is starting to show signs of a revival, but it is still the more unusual pieces that fetch the highest prices. This was evident with lot 302, a Victorian burr walnut miniature chest of drawers fetching £420.

In the collectors section, Lot 505, a Bedfordshire Regiment cloth spiked helmet sold for £230. Lot 525, a 1798 edition of White’s History of Selbourne sold for £480 and lot 574, seventy early glass magic lantern slides sold to a specialist collector for £550. Toys were also selling well with a consignment of boxed OO gauge locomotives and rolling stock totalling over £2,000 and Lot 693, a 3.5inch gauge Jinty live steam locomotive, (no boiler certificate0 at £700.

Highlights in the fine art section included Lot 727, an oil picture of Derwentwater by William Turner (1867-1936) sold to a phone bidder at £1,200 and Lot 767, a pastoral scene in oils by J Peyrol-Bonheur (1830-1891) at £2,000.

The next Fine Art & Collectors Sale is 30th August and entries are currently being invited. Phone 01283 511224 for further information and for directions to your nearest free valuation office/saleroom. Already consigned for the sale is a fine corporate collection of valuable paintings.