Two paintings by a significant Australian artist and left to a Kendal priest are set to make up to £12,000 at an online auction.
The works by Sir Sidney Nolan, one of Australia’s most significant modernist artists, are going under the hammer at the auction hosted by 1818 Auctioneers.
The sale is live from today until May 2.
Entitled Red Desert, the oil on canvas paintings were bequeathed to a much loved Catholic priest, Frederick George Jackson.
Father Freddie worked in Kensington in London and helped with services at Holy Trinity and St George’s Catholic Church in Kendal.
Father Freddie made frequent visits to Kendal, staying with family. He died in July 2020 and the paintings are being sold as part of his estate.
David Brookes, valuer at 1818, said: “The paintings meant a lot to Father Freddie.
“We understand they were left to him by a lady who lived in the Kensington parish where he worked.
“Correspondence tells us the artist’s daughter attended the memorial service for the lady who left Father Freddie the pictures – suggesting a personal family connection.
“There’s also correspondence between Father Freddie and The National Gallery of Australia. The curator there was pleased to include these paintings in a catalogue of work by the artist.”
Sir Sidney is best known for his depictions of the history and mythology of bush life in Australia, including the Australian outlaw Ned Kelly.
His painting, First-Class Marksman – of Ned Kelly – sold for just under £4million in 2010. It is still the most expensive Australian painting to have gone under the hammer.
