A rare collection of Percy Kelly artworks is set to go under the hammer in Cockermouth.
The pieces, which include 11 works by the celebrated artist from Workington, are among more than 1,400 lots to be sold at Mitchells’ Antiques and Fine Art Sale in Cockermouth, running from March 18 to 20.
The works come from a private family collection and include pieces spanning a range of values, from £100 to £5,000.
Kelly, who was born in Workington and died in 1993, is known for his watercolours and drawings.
Among the highlights is a large coastal watercolour, possibly depicting Pembrokeshire, signed and dated 1976, and estimated to sell for £2,500–£3,000.
Another piece shows a sunset scene behind a church and gravestones, valued at £700–£1,000.
The collection also features an artist’s proof of Newlands Valley as well as a study of dark cottage roofs.
Mitchells currently holds the auction record for a Percy Kelly painting, having sold Red Bridge Near Aspatria for £7,200 in September last year.
The sale features work from other renowned artists, including four landscapes by Len Roope (1917–2005).
Among these is the watercolour Morning Sky (Hopegill Head and The Lorton Vale), signed and dated 1974, which is expected to fetch between £120 and £180.
In addition to artwork, the sale includes a broad range of jewellery, ceramics, and furnishings.
The most valuable lot is expected to be an 18-carat white gold diamond tennis bracelet, set with 16.17 carats of diamonds, estimated to sell for £20,000–£25,000.
Other jewellery highlights include an 18-carat gold foliate bracelet weighing 50 grams, valued at £2,500–£3,000, and a Hearts on Fire diamond and platinum engagement ring, expected to reach £1,500–£2,000.
Collectors of ceramics will note a Wally Bird jar and cover.
It is shaped as an owl and titled The Major.
Marked Cobridge Stoneware and designed by Andrew Hull, the 40cm high jar is estimated at £400–£600.
Furniture highlights include a 19th-century Swiss Black Forest bear hall table or valet, featuring two seated bears on hinged boxes, a small brass bowl, and a central standing bear with a tree trunk and hinged head.
Standing 88cm tall, the table is expected to sell for £800–£1,200.
A large pair of mahogany and brass-bound peat buckets, each with liners and loop handles and measuring 53cm high, have an estimated value of £1,500–£2,000.
A signed Emma Bossons for Moorcroft vase in the Montagnac pattern, limited edition 69/100 and dated 2000, is expected to fetch £600–£800.
The three-day sale will be organised by categories.
The first day, Wednesday, March 18, will feature Asian art, ceramics and glassware, coins, jewellery, pocket watches, and silver and allied wares.
Day two, Thursday, March 19, will offer paintings, drawings and prints, objects of art, collectors’ items, metalware, and textiles.
The final day, Friday, March 20, will include table boxes, wall clocks, barometers and mirrors, furniture, longcase clocks, dining tables, and chairs.
Viewing will be available at the saleroom on Sunday, March 15 from 10am to 2pm, as well as on Monday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 17 from 10am to 5pm.
An illustrated catalogue can be viewed online at the-saleroom.com/Mitchells or easyliveauction.com/Mitchells.
Visitors can register to bid live during the auction or submit automatic bids in advance.
Alternatively, interested buyers can arrange to bid by telephone or leave commission bids directly with the saleroom.
For more information about the auction or specific lots, contact James Moore at 01900 827800.
Mitchells offers free valuations by appointment at its Cockermouth saleroom, with home visits available upon request, including in the South Lakes and Furness areas.
Valuation requests and photographs can be sent via email to info@mitchellsantiques.co.uk.
Mitchells also provides insurance and probate valuation services, as well as house clearances.
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