With artworks by David Hockney, paintings by The Lake District’s most prolific painter EH Thompson and plenty of sparkling jewellery, you’ll find lots of unique Christmas gifts in Mitchells Antiques & Fine Art Sale.
It will be held in the firm’s Cockermouth saleroom from December 10 to December 12.
The most valuable lot in the sale is expected to be a rare David Hockney (b 1937) A Bigger Book, a huge Sumo-sized book, complete with stand, published by Taschen, number 835 from the first limited edition of 1,000 printed.
The book is a signed first edition published in 2016 and comes with a signed limited edition iPad artwork depicting flowers in a vase, print number 85 from 250.
The lot has an estimate of £18,000 to £22,000.
Lake District’s most prolific painter
To coincide with the launch of Charles Nugent’s book cataloguing the life and work of The Lake District’s most prolific painter Edward H. Thompson (1879-1949), the sale features over 30 of the artist’s landscape paintings, including the watercolour Snow Scene Whinlatter and Skiddaw with rabbits, estimated at £1,000 to £1,500.
Born in Workington, Thompson is estimated to have produced as many as 10,000 pictures in his lifetime, many of which have been sold through Mitchell’s saleroom which still holds the all-time record price of £10,800 for a large watercolour Winter Sunset, Vale of Keswick, sold in June 2011.
Mitchells will be hosting the book launch event during viewing for the sale on Monday December 8 from 6pm which will be attended by the artist’s granddaughter Barbara and Charles Nugent’s widow Louise.
If you would like to attend, contact Mitchell’s office with your details on 01900 827800 or email [email protected] and you will be added to the guest list.
Paintings and ceramics
The three-day sale also features a watercolour by William Heaton Cooper RA (1903-1995) Silver Gleams Crummock Water with an estimate of £700 to £1,000.
It also features two signed limited edition prints by Sandra Blow (1925-2006), pioneer of the 1950s British abstract movement, including Transparency 23/130 estimated at £500 to £800.
Also in the sale is a single owner collection of eight ceramic artworks by the renowned feminist artist Claudia Clare (b 1962) including Century Plant teapot from The World Service Tea Set with Venus Flytrap sugar bowl and small plant milk jug which has an estimate of £100 to £150.
Watches
Highlights among the watches include a Rolex stainless steel automatic wristwatch, Oyster Perpetual Date, Ref 15000. Serial No 6752591, with box, no papers, which is estimated at £1,000 to £1,500.
An 18 ct gold cased Hunter pocket watch, with inset subsidiary second dial, enamelled face and makers name Over Brothers Maryport has an estimate of £1,500 to £2,500.
An Omega Speedmaster Automatic wristwatch with stainless steel bracelet and with international warranty card, instruction booklet and box should make £1,000 to £1,500.
An early 1960s Omega watch with a rare Swiss movement for the Japanese market is estimated at £300 to £400.
A ladies Omega 9ct gold wristwatch, stamped 375 with brown leather strap and Omega clasp, with original box papers is expected to make £100 to £150.
Coins
Coins for sale include a boxed three coin proof set of Gibraltar 2018 sovereign, half sovereign and quarter sovereign, commemorating the First World War 1914-1918, Somme, Loos and Mons which is expected to make £600 to £900.
Jewellery
The most valuable item amongst the jewellery is an 18ct white gold natural diamond bracelet, diamonds +/- 16.85 carats with 33 round brilliant cut natural diamonds and total jewellery weight +/- 16.88 carats which has an estimate of £18,000 to £22,000.
More affordable sparkling Christmas gifts include an 18ct yellow gold slider pendant on chain, rubover set with a natural diamond weighing +/- .50 carats valued at £900 to £1,200 and a 14ct yellow gold sapphire and natural diamond ring, sapphire +/- .76 carats, total diamond weight +/- .07 carats estimated at £500 to £800.
Budget conscious jewellery gifts include an 18ct gold diamond and emerald ring, size Q, weight 4.1 grams with an estimate of £180 to £220 and a 9ct gold chain with yellow metal pendant, set with pink stone, length 17cm valued at £150 to £250.
A 9ct gold Italian necklace, with heart shaped motif weighing 3.1 grams has an estimate of £60-£80 and an 18ct gold emerald and diamond channel set ring, size Q should make £80 to £120.
Furniture
Highlights among the furniture include a 19th century giltwood and gesso overmantle mirror estimated at £800 to £1,200, an oak refectory style dining table with leaf and two benches valued at £400 to £600 and an early James Mouseman Thompson of Kilburn stool, with burr oak top and dowelled construction, mouse hallmark to one leg, with an estimate of £300 to £500.
When is Mitchells Antiques & Fine Art Sale happening?
Day one of the three day sale on Wednesday December 10 will include Asian art, ceramics & glassware, coins, jewellery & pocket watches, silver & allied wares.
Day two of the sale on Thursday December 11 will include paintings, drawings & prints, objects of art, collectors’ items, metalware and textiles.
Day three of the sale on Friday December 12 will include table boxes, wall clocks, barometers & mirrors, furniture, longcase clocks, dining tables and chairs.
When can I see the lots in the Mitchells Antiques & Fine Art Sale?
Lots are on view in the Saleroom from Sunday December 7, 11am to 3pm, Monday December 8 and Tuesday December 9, from 10am to 5pm and throughout each sale day.
A fully illustrated catalogue can be viewed online at the-saleroom.com/Mitchells or easyliveauction.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.
What’s next at Mitchells?
Entries are open now for Mitchell’s biggest ever Vintage Toy & Model Sale on Thursday February 13 and Friday February 14.
For free valuations of items for potential sale contact David Lomas on 01900 827800. Entries close on Friday January 23.
0% gold sellers commission in January
Mitchells are offering 0% sellers’ commission on all gold sold in January.
If you have something gold or anything else you think might be valuable and want to find out what it’s worth, Mitchells offer free valuations by appointment at their Cockermouth saleroom and home visits by arrangement, including in the South Lakes and Furness.
Alternatively, you can email your valuation request and photographs to [email protected].
Valuation services for insurance and probate and house clearances are also available. Contact Mitchells now on 01900 827800 to arrange.
