A leading Cumbrian action house is launching its first online fine art sale due to buyer demand.
Mitchells, based in Cockermouth, said the sales would complement its live quarterly auctions of antiques and fine art.
The first picture sale, which includes art between £50 and £300, will start at noon on Thursday, August 18, and finish on Sunday, August 28.
Head of fine art and furniture James Forster, who worked for Sotheby’s and other leading auctioneers before joining Mitchells earlier this year, said he was keen to promote Cumbria’s rich artistic heritage and said there was a gap in the market for timed online sales of affordable fine art.
He said: “There’s a real appetite among buyers to interact with auctions in this way and they also provide an alternative outlet for people with artworks to sell.
“Unlike a live sale, the timed format allows you to bid over an extended period which is very engaging and a little addictive for buyers when they’re following certain lots.
“There will still be a viewing in the saleroom so you can inspect the pictures if you wish, but the lots will also be illustrated online with high quality photography and condition reports so viewing in the saleroom is optional. For vendors it adds value as these auctions tend to attract new buyers who don’t normally buy at auction.”
Examples of fine art to be sold in the first timed picture sale include a signed and numbered reproduction print of a Lone Adventurer, Sir Francis Chichester (1901-1972), after James Lawrence Isherwood (1917-1989) with an estimate of £200-£300 and a signed oil on board of a washerwoman by an artist in the circle of Paul Lucien Maze (1887-1979) with an estimate of £100-£200.
Bidders should go to www.the-saleroom.com/Mitchells to view, follow and bid for lots for sale. Artworks can also be viewed in person at Mitchells Lorton Street Saleroom on Thursday August 25 from 10am to 7pm.
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