Fine Art Auction Review

Rachel Littlewood writes about the April 2021 three day Fine Art Auction, which exceeded all expectations, showing the strength of the fine art market post-lockdown.

Alfred Wallis (1855-1942) - Three-masted Schooner Anchored Off A Lighthouse (FS49/1655), realised £27,000 duing the three day fine sale.

The recent three day Quarterly Fine Art Auction held at Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood on 14th/15th/16th April 2021 produced some outstanding results in all categories, with strong prices achieved for silver, jewellery, ceramics, works of art, paintings and furniture.

The saleroom was busy for physical viewings in addition to online and telephone enquiries, which resulted in a sale total of £652,000, exceeding all expectations.

A Cushion-cut Yellow Sapphire Single-stone Stick Pin (FS49/1041).

The star attraction of the sale was a small oil and pencil drawing on card by Alfred Wallis (FS49/1655) of a three-masted schooner anchored off a lighthouse. Estimated at £8,000–£12,000, it more than doubled this, selling for a staggering £27,000. Another highly sought after lot was a cushion cut yellow sapphire single-stone stick pin (FS49/1041), which realised £12,200.

Furniture prices were also encouragingly strong, with a mid 18th Century mahogany circular silver table (FS49/1803) selling for £11,800 and an 18th Century and later carved walnut settee (FS49/1840) realising £7,600, all showing the resilience of the antiques market post lockdown.

A Mid 18th Century Mahogany Circular Silver Table (FS49/1803).

An 18th Century and Later Carved Walnut Settee (FS49/1840).

Amongst the ceramics, a Continental porcelain teapot and cover from Schrezheim (FS49/1334), a small but rare mid 18th Century factory in Germany, made a remarkable price when eventually knocked down for £7,400.

A Continental Porcelain Teapot and Cover (FS49/1334).

After a period when auction rooms, like many other businesses, had to close their doors for several months through lockdown, these recent successful results show that the market is very strong indeed.

We welcome all enquiries from prospective vendors, collectors or instructions regarding formal valuation work in the home.

All enquiries please telephone (01392) 413100