Looking for something special for the loved ones in your life? Well, Mitchells could help you get Christmas all wrapped up.
Its next three-day Antiques and Fine Art Sale – from Wednesday November 29 to Friday December 1 at its Cockermouth saleroom – includes 1,400 lots from 30 original Alfred Wainwright drawings to a collection of Scotch whisky.
The sale also has books signed by Everest mountaineers Hillary and Tenzing and pictures by Percy Kelly and Michael Woodford, sparkling jewellery and other decorative items.
With estimates starting from £300, the most valuable of the drawings by Alfred Wainwright (1907-1991) are a signed pen and ink illustration of Cold Pike, with an estimate of £1,200-£1,800 and The Dow Crag Ridge, from Walna Scar, valued at £800-£1,500.
The collection of 30 original drawings also includes iconic views of Coniston and other Lake District fells as well as Yorkshire, Wales, Scotland and a view of Chatsworth House in Derbyshire worth £300-£400.
A number of signed Wainwright prints, first and later edition books, some signed, as well as many first edition Lakeland sketchbooks are also for sale.
From the same collection is a range of vintage mountaineering books including a 1953 first edition of The Ascent of Everest by author and expedition leader John Hunt (1910-1998) signed by Edmund Hillary (1919-2008), Tenzing Norgay (1914-1986) and other members of the expedition team which should sell for £1,000-£1,500.
Just in time for Christmas and the New Year, the sale also features a private collection of some 50 bottles of rare single malt Scotch whiskies including seven Port Ellen Isle of Islay limited edition bottles, one of only 12,000 bottled in 2002, distilled in 1978, aged 24 years with estimates of £500-£700 each though may sell for considerably more.
Also for sale are several very old 1977 limited edition bottles of Ardbeg Single Islay Malt Scotch Whisky which should make £300-£500 each.
Pictures
Highlights among the pictures include a valuable charcoal drawing by the renowned local artist Percy Kelly (1918-1993), signed and dated 1959 and depicting The road from West Newton to Allonby. Measuring 55 x 75cm, framed and mounted, the picture has an estimate of £4,000-£6,000.
Also among the pictures is a large oil painting by Michael Woodford (British School 1938-2014) titled No. 3 Wasdale Head.
Signed lower left, inscribed with the title and artist’s name and address verso and measuring 151 cm x 152 cm, the painting has a valuation of £1,000-£1,500.
Other Mitchells Antiques and Fine Art Sale highlights
Other sale highlights include a single owner collection of silver featuring an Elizabeth I London 1599 silver seal top spoon by William Cawdell worth £1,000-£1,500, a Columbian emerald and diamond ring with an estimate of £3,500-£4,000, an antique Indian hardwood dowry chest valued at £500-£800 and a pair of Minton Secessionist pottery vases which should make £200-£300.
When does Mitchells Antiques and Fine Art Sale take place?
Day one of the sale on Wednesday November 29 will include Asian art, ceramics and glassware, jewellery, pocket watches and coins, a single owner collection of silver and other silver and allied wares.
Day two of the sale on Thursday November 30 will include a single owner Wainwright collection, mountain books, mountain paintings, other paintings, drawings and prints, whiskies, wines and port, objects of art, collectors’ items and metal ware.
Day three of the sale on Friday December 1 will include table boxes, wall clocks, barometers and mirrors. textiles, furniture, longcase clocks, dining tables and chairs.
When can I see the lots on offer at Mitchells Antiques and Fine Art Sale?
Lots are on view in the Saleroom from Sunday November 26 from 11am to 3pm, Monday November 27 and Tuesday November 28 from 10am to 5pm and throughout each sale day.
A fully illustrated catalogue can be viewed online now at www.the-saleroom.com/Mitchells where buyers can also register to bid live during the sale or leave automatic bids.
What if I can’t attend Mitchells Antiques and Fine Art Sale?
Those unable to attend the sale can also arrange to bid by telephone or leave commission bids in advance by contacting the saleroom.
For further information about lots featured in the auction contact James Forster on 01900 827800.
What’s coming up at Mitchells?
Entries are now invited for Mitchells next Vintage & Antique Toy Sale, to include model cars, locomotives, railwayana, teddies, dolls and games. Contact David Lomas for free valuations of items for potential sale on 01900 827800.
What if I have something I would like valued by Mitchells?
Mitchells is now holding free drop-in valuations at their Cockermouth saleroom on Fridays.
People are invited to bring in their items between 10am and 2pm for a free appraisal, no appointment needed.
For those in the South Lakes and wider area, Mitchells’ valuer David Brookes can be contacted to arrange free valuations and home visits. Email [email protected].
