Several artworks by LS Lowry and a private collection of coins worth over £100,000 are just some of the highlights among 1,650 lots to be sold in Mitchell’s Antiques & Fine Art Sale later this month.
The sale, from November 27 to November 29 will feature several artworks by LS Lowry (1887-1976).
The most valuable is a Cumbrian coastal scene, probably Sir John Barrow’s Monument on Hoad Hill in Ulverston, with an estimate of £25,000 to £40,000. The oil on board is reminiscent of Lowry’s lonely landscapes.
A pencil drawing, Maryport – The Estuary, is also on offer, estimated at £25,000 to £35,000.
Signed and dated 1960 and measuring 36cm x 25cm, the Maryport drawing was previously sold at Sotheby’s in 1998, then Richard Green Bond Street in London and Castlegate House Gallery in Cockermouth.
Mitchells head of antiques & fine art James Moore said: “A Lowry painting of Senhouse Street in Maryport sold for over £800,000 in London in October and the pencil sketch at Mitchells is a fantastic example of Lowry’s work and a very recognisable view of Maryport too which bodes very well for the sale.”
Most of the artworks have been consigned for sale by the family of Graeme Bentham, a contemporary artist and close friend of Lowry.
Bentham, who grew up and worked in Ashton-under-Lyne, began exploring drawing and painting in the late 1940s, during which time he learned significantly from Lowry. The artist gifted Bentham several artworks.
A pencil drawing of a typical Lowry street scene with church spire, characteristic back to back figures and cat and dogs measuring 38cm x 28cm, framed, signed and dated 1960 has an estimate of £10,000 to £20,000.
A pencil head and shoulders portrait of a gentleman with moustache measuring 37cm x 27cm, framed signed and dated 1960, is expected to sell for £3,000 to £5,000.
Gold and silver coins
The most important section in the sale is a private single owner collection of 233 lots of gold and silver coins belonging to a retired doctor from the South Lakes who has avidly collected coins over many years.
The entire collection is expected to realise a total in excess of £100,000 with estimates ranging from £50 to £10,000.
Highlights include a Golden Jubilee Monarchs 22ct gold five coin set from East Caribbean States, limited to 100 sets, each coin weighing 39.94 grams, which is expected to make £7,000 to £10,000.
A Golden Jubilee 22ct gold proof set 0626 comprising £5, £2, £1, 50 pence, 20 pence, 10 pence, 5 pence, 2 pence, 1 pence and Maundy Money from 4 pence to 1 pence has an estimate of £6,000 to £8,000.
The collection also includes over 150 sovereigns and half sovereigns dating from 1813, many being proof coins.
Paintings
Also featured in a very strong picture section in this sale is a large oil on canvas painting of Scafell Crag by the renowned mountain artist Julian Cooper (b1947) which used to hang in the atrium at Rheged, near Penrith.
Measuring 4 metres high and 3 metres wide, the painting has been given an estmate of £10,000-£15,000 with proceeds going to The Mountain Heritage Trust along with proceeds from a painting of Birkness Combe by the climber and artist Bill Peascod (1920-1985) with an estimate of £5,000 to £8,000.
The sale also features artworks by Percy Kelly (1918-1993) including a watercolour illustrated letter depicting a vintage car with an estimate of £700 to £1,000 and a pen, ink and watercolour wash sketch of a bridge estimated at £400 to £600.
Other local artists featured in the sale include Sheila Fell, Albert Rosser, Edward Horace Thompson, June Bennett, Len Roope, Mathew Ellis Nutter and William Henry Nutter.
Jewellery
Just in time for Christmas, the sale also features a good selection of 150 lots of gold silver and diamond jewellery.
The most valuable is an 18ct white gold diamond set tennis bracelet containing 9.6 carats of natural diamonds with an estimate of £10,000 to £15,000.
An 18ct gold two tone gold ring set with a natural radiant cut diamond and diamond set shoulders and weighing 2.5 carats should make £4,000 to £5,000.
A 9ct gold chain bracelet with three sovereigns is valued at £1,300 to £1,500.
Furniture
Highlights among some 400 lots of furniture are an early 18th century oak chest on stand estimated at £700 to £1,000 and a 19th century Howard and Sons Ltd armchair which should make £400 to £600.
Also for sale from the workshop of the late Yorkshire furniture maker Colin ‘Beaverman’ Almack is an oak sideboard estimated at £500 to £800 and a table with benches estimated at £400 to £600, both lots featuring his carved beaver trademark.
Ceramics
The ceramics section features a collection of studio pottery including John Leech, Andrew Niblett, Eddie Curtis, Richard Batterham and Warren Mackenzie.
When does Mitchell’s Antiques & Fine Art Sale take place?
Day one of the sale on Wednesday November 27 will include Asian art, ceramics & glassware, the single owner collection of coins, jewellery, watches & pocket watches, silver & allied wares.
The Lowry artworks will be sold on the second day of Mitchells Antiques & Fine Art Sale on Thursday November 28.
Day two will also include paintings, drawings & prints, objects of art, collectors’ items, metalware and textiles.
Day three of the sale on Friday November 29 will include table boxes, wall clocks, barometers & mirrors, furniture, longcase clocks, dining tables and chairs.
When can I see the lots from Mitchell’s Antiques & Fine Art Sale?
Lots are on view in the Cockermouth saleroom from Sunday November 24, 11am to 3pm, Monday November 25 and Tuesday November 26, 10am to 5pm and throughout each sale day.
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 in advance.
Alternatively, 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 on 01900 827800.
Free valuations available from Mitchell’s
If you have something you think might be valuable and want to find out what it’s worth, Mitchell’s offer free valuations by appointment at its Cockermouth saleroom and home visits by arrangement, including in the South Lakes and Furness.
Alternatively, you can email your valuation request and photographs to info@mitchellsantiques.co.uk
Contact Mitchells now on 01900 827800 to arrange your free valuation.
What’s next at Mitchell’s?
Entries are invited now for Mitchells next Vintage & Antique Toy Sale on Thursday February 13. Contact David Lomas for a free, no obligation valuation.
