A PRIVATE collection of 60 artworks by the renowned Cumbrian artist Percy Kelly (1918-1993), and a single owner collection of rare gold guineas and half guineas, are just some of the highlights in Mitchells next Antiques & Fine Art Sale in Cockermouth.
The Percy Kelly artworks are principally watercolours and comprise illustrated letters, small paintings and envelopes from the personal collection of Joan David, a close friend and correspondent of Kelly during the last 10 years of his life whom he often referred to as his 'Saviour'.
Joan also helped Kelly legally change his name when he started a gender transition in later life, consequently many of the letters are signed 'Roberta'.
Since the artworks were either sent, gifted or bought directly from the artist, they have never been seen in public before or made available for sale on the open market.
The highlights amongst the letters are 'Greysoon' Cumberland from 1987 and Pear Tree Cottage with Poppies both with estimates of £1,000-£1,500, Bakers Van from 1990 with a valuation of £800-£1,200 and an industrial drawing of Maryport Harbour with an estimate of £500-£800.
Mitchells believe that the collection of 60 lots could well realise in the region of £40,000-£50,000 in total with estimates ranging from £200-£1,500 per lot.
Other fine art by renowned local artists includes a charcoal on paper by Sheila Fell (1931-1979) titled ‘Christmas 1979’ with an estimate of £1,000-£2,000 and three paintings by June Bennett (1935-2013) including an oil on canvas of the Solway ‘Tidal patterns’ with an estimate of £500-£800.
Also for sale are eight paintings by Michael Bennett (1934-2016) including an oil on handmade paper ‘Two Women by the Sea No. 1’ with an estimate of £500-£800 and an oil on board ‘Far Field’ which should make £700-£1,000.
Of local historical interest are two important industrial landscapes by George Henry Andrews (1816-1898) of Barrow Haematite Steel Company depicting the Bessemer steel sheds and blast furnaces which should make £500-£800 each.
An important single owner collection of over 40 gold Guineas and Half Guineas is also for sale, including ten coins dating back to the reign of King Charles II (1660-1684), with the earliest dated 1665.
The collection also includes coins from the reigns of James II, William III, Queen Anne, George I and George II with estimates ranging from £500-£1,000 for the Full Guineas and £200-£400 for the Half Guineas.
reign of George I dated 1719 both have estimates of £600-£800.
However, due to the rarity and condition of some of the coins, the auctioneers believe these estimates may well be exceeded and the total value of the collection could be as much as £30,000.
Highlights amongst the furniture and clocks are a pair of Regency rosewood whatnot stands with an estimate of £1,800-£2,200 and a fine George III mahogany longcase clock by Nicholson of Whitehaven which should make £1,500-£2,000.
Also for sale is a good single owner collection of wristwatches including vintage Rolex, Breitling and Sekonda.
The sale includes some 1,400 lots.
Day one of the sale on Wednesday, March 22, will include Asian art, ceramics and glassware, jewellery, watches and pocket watches, coins, silver and allied wares and textiles.
Day two (March 23) will include paintings, drawings and prints, objects of art, collectors’ items and metalware, table boxes, wall clocks, barometers and mirrors.
Day three (March 24) will include furniture, longcase clocks and dining tables.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here