A major private collection of over 60 artworks by the renowned local artist Percy Kelly, several early works by Sheila Fell RA and a large collection of art glass and studio ceramics will be auctioned during Mitchells Antiques & Fine Art Sale later this month.
The Percy Kelly collection comes from a deceased local estate and is one of the largest private collections of his artworks to be sold at the Cockermouth saleroom.
Mitchells hold the all-time auction record for the highest price achieved for a Kelly, a charcoal drawing of The Road from West Newton to Allonby, sold for £6,200 in November 2023.
This single owner collection includes a wide range of artwork, some with affordable estimates, such as a striking lithograph, White Chapel, with an estimate of £400 to £600 and a 1954 watercolour of Derwent Bank Broughton which should make £300 to £500.
Several early works by Sheila Fell RA (1931-1979) in various mediums with estimates ranging from £100 to £1,500 include an ink and charcoal study of A Gentleman Smoking a Pipe, originally from the estate of Mary Burkett, which has an estimate of £500 to £800.
Art glass, studio ceramics and textiles
The sale also features a large single owner collection of art glass, studio ceramics and textiles comprising nearly 100 lots which should achieve a combined total of £5,000-£9,000.
The most valuable lot is expected to be an antique hand stitched hexagonal honeycomb pattern patchwork quilt measuring approximately 260 cm x 210 cm with an estimate of £800 to £1,000.
Glassware includes a range of iridescent Art Glass vases by John Ditchfield (born 1952), Karen Lawrence (1960-2013), Norman Stuart Clarke (born 1944) and Siddy Langley with estimates ranging from £70 to £150.
A floral patterned tile attributed to William De Morgan (1839-1917) painted with flowers in yellow and green and mounted in a brass and copper surround should make £80 to £120.
Other notable ceramics include a Meissen mythological figure group Europa on the Bull, with a valuation of £150 to £200.
Highlights among the Asian art are a 19th century Chinese porcelain tiled screen with 47 panels which has an estimate of £250 to £350 and a pair of Chinese blue and white dishes decorated with female figures, each with Changhua mark circa 18th century, which should make £120 to £180.
Furniture
The most valuable lots among the furniture include a late 17th century oak court cupboard, with inlay decoration marked IH 1678 with an estimate of £400 to £600.
A Lady Windsor ash and elm armchair by Elizabeth Gabbitass, wife of the renowned Windsor chair maker John Gabbitass of Worksop, has a valuation of £250 to £300.
Elizabeth continued the family business for a short time from 1839 to 1844 after her husband died.
Other interesting furniture includes an Arts & Crafts oak mirror back sideboard, the upper mirrored section with inlay and the base with a stylised tulip design, which should make £150 to £200
Other highlights
Of historical interest is a late 19th/early 20th century crocodile skin travelling case which belonged to Constance, Lady Burrell (1875-1961) who, together with her husband Sir William Burrell amassed a collection of over 8,000 artworks now displayed in The Burrell Collection in Glasgow.
The travelling case has an estimate of £80 to £120.
Unusual lots include a Bobby mascot by John Hassall featuring a policeman car mascot Robert from around 1917 with a tilting head and hat, signed at the waist and measuring 12 cm high which should make £120 to £180.
Of local interest will be an early 19th century map of the Lakes in Cumberland, Westmorland and Lancashire, published June 1 1811 by Longman Hurst Rees Orme and Brown, Paternoster Row London with a valuation of £30 to £50.
When does Mitchells Antiques & Fine Art Sale take place?
Day one of the sale on Wednesday March 20 will include Asian art, ceramics & glassware, jewellery, pocket watches & coins, silver & allied wares.
Day two of the sale on Thursday March 21 will include the Percy Kelly collection and other paintings, drawings & prints, objects of art, collectors’ items & metal ware.
Day three of the sale on Friday March 22 will include table boxes, wall clocks, barometers and mirrors, textiles, furniture, longcase clocks, dining tables and chairs.
Where and when can I view the lots in Mitchells Antiques & Fine Art Sale?
Lots are on view in the Saleroom from Sunday March 17 from 11am to 3pm, Monday March 18 and Tuesday March 19 from 10am to 5pm and throughout each sale day.
How can I bid on the lots in Mitchells Antiques & Fine Art Sale?
A fully illustrated catalogue can be viewed online at www.the-saleroom.com/Mitchells where buyers can also register to bid live during the sale or leave automatic bids.
Those unable to attend the sale can arrange to bid by telephone or leave commission bids in advance by contacting the saleroom.
For further information about lots featured in the auction and condition reports contact James Moore or James Warwick on 01900 827800.
How can I have something valued by Mitchells?
Do you have something which might be valuable? Mitchells now offer free drop-in valuations at its Cockermouth saleroom Mondays to Fridays from 9am to 5pm.
So whether it’s a painting, a piece of jewellery or something else, just drop by with your items – or a photo if they’re too big to carry – for a free, no obligation appraisal by one of Mitchells’ expert valuers.
