A collection of studio pottery by the internationally renowned potter Edward Hughes and two paintings by Maryport artist William Mitchell are among the highlights of Mitchells next fine art sale. 

The Cockermouth auction house will hold the sale next Thursday and Friday.

Around 1,500 lots to go under the hammer, including 37 pieces of pottery by Hughes, who died in 2006.

Estimates range from £70 to £400 and include a pair of large circular bowls and a square box and cover both estimated at £150 and £200.

His work is particularly sought-after in Japan where he studied in the 1970s.

Many of the pieces for sale were bought at exhibitions at The Paul Rice Gallery in London, Abbot Hall Art Gallery in Kendal, Brantwood and Galerie Besson in London.

Hughes was a keen walker and climber but sadly died in a climbing accident at Pillar in 2006 aged just 52.

He had moved with his wife Shizuko to Isel Hall, near Cockermouth, in the mid 1990s on the invitation of the late arts patron Mary Burkett OBE. 

Other highlights in the sale of local historical interest are two oil on canvas paintings by the celebrated William Mitchell.

Maryport Harbour, Moat Hill, Graving Bank Bridge, Peats Shipyard 50 Years Ago was painted in 1889. It is expected to make between £4,000 and £6,000.

Maryport From the Sea is dated 1891 and is estimated at £2,000 to £3,000.

Among the other high quality lots is an 18ct white gold, 2.4 carat diamond solitaire ring valued at £8,000 to £12,000 and a range of mantle clocks including a Raingo Freres French bronze mantle clock estimated at £1,500 to £2,000 and a 19th century French ormolu mantle clock valued at £800 to £1,200. 

A fully illustrated catalogue can be viewed online at www.mitchellsantiques.co.uk or lots can be viewed in person at the saleroom from Sunday.