ARTWORKS are expected to be the most valuable lots in Mitchells' Antiques & Fine Art Sale next week.
There will be about 1,250 lots, including a rare and historically important harbour scene by the renowned Victorian artist William Mitchell of Maryport (1823-1900) which has an auction estimate of £5,000-£8,000 and is the first example of its type to be seen at the saleroom.
Titled 'Old Maryport in the year 1834 Looking Over The Graving Bank To The Drawbridge Moat Hill' and signed and dated 1887, the artist also lists the 'Well Known Characters' by name which include 'Mick Hutchinson, wooden leg' 'Crazy Barney' 'Johnnie Heroe' and 'Young Benson'.
A previous painting by William Mitchell titled 'Maryport Harbour, Moat Hill, Graving Bank Bridge, Peat’s Shipyard' dated 1889 was sold at Mitchells for £8,000 in November 2015.
Other valuable artworks for sale include a portrait of Sandor Wekerle, three times Prime Minister of Hungary, by Philip de Laszlo (Hungarian 1869-1937) and a Hungarian pastel portrait Edit de Lukacs Lessner by Jozsef Ripple-Ronai (Kaposbar 1861-1927) which are both expected to sell for £4,000 - £6,000.
Watercolours by the French-born English society artist Augustus Jules Bouvier (1825-1881) 'Lady holding corsage' and 'Lady holding basket of fruit' have estimates of £300-£500 each.
Amongst the more modern artworks for sale is a mixed media composition by Michael Bennett (1934-2016), sold by the artist to the present owner as one of his best ever works, which has a valuation of £1,500-£2,000.
A collection of gouache works by the London artist and illustrator Charles Clixby Watson (1906-1964) have various estimates ranging from £100-£300.
Of local interest are an early 19th century watercolour 'Irish Gate Carlisle' attributed to Robert Carlisle or William Nutter (1754-1802) and another watercolour 'Front entrance Carlisle Castle' attributed to Matthew Ellis Nutter (1795-1862) both with estimates of £200-£300 each.
Highlights amongst the furniture are an early 18th century walnut bureau bookcase with original mirror plates which should make £800-£1,200.
An early 18th century walnut bureau bookcase of small proportions, a late 17th century walnut kneehole desk and a Regency mahogany duet stand all have estimates of £600-£800.
Asian art features a large 19th century Japanese charger depicting artists’ scrolls and playing the game Go which should make £150-£200.
Also for sale is a large collection of Tunbridge Ware boxes with estimates ranging from £30-£250.
Amongst the Collectors’ Items are a Cuirassier Chatellerault 1813 sabre valued at £200-£300 and a Victorian Royal Naval bicorn hat in toleware case worth £100-£150.
The sale will run from June 15 to 17. Lots will be on view in the saleroom from June 12.
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