Upcoming Fine Art Auction at Halls Fine Art, Shrewsbury

Halls Fine Art, located in the picturesque town of Shrewsbury, is preparing to host its next fine art auction on January 21. Following the success of its October auction, which featured a remarkable variety of artworks, expectations are high for this upcoming event. The October sale garnered significant attention, especially when one painting remarkably tripled its estimated value, drawing collectors and art enthusiasts alike to the vibrant auction scene.

Highlights from the October Auction

The October 15 auction showcased an impressive collection of paintings and prints, among which an oil on canvas by Mary Elizabeth Harding (born circa 1857) sold for an astonishing £6,000. This piece, titled The Lady in a Bluebell Wood, features a graceful figure of a woman kneeling to pick flowers amid a blooming bluebell forest. The painting’s pre-sale estimate was vastly exceeded, showcasing both its charm and the growing demand for high-quality art.

Chloe Delpy-Harding from Halls Fine Art’s modern and contemporary art and design team shared her excitement: “We all fell in love with the painting from the moment we saw it. It was such a charming subject.” The painting’s previous owner, a Midlands vendor, reluctantly sold it upon downsizing, having inherited the piece from his grandmother.

Maritime Paintings in Demand

In addition to Harding’s painting, strong interest in maritime art was evident, with an oil by Oliver Ussison Hodgson (1810-1878) selling for £1,800. The work, created in 1849, depicts the two-masted schooner Bee navigating through tumultuous waters with coastal cliffs and a town in the background.

Another noteworthy sale involved a 19th-century oil on board titled Royal Mail Packet – V.R. Paddle Steamer Isle of Bute, which exceeded its pre-sale estimate to fetch £850. The Royal Mail Packet Service was historically significant, utilizing ships to transport mail internationally since the 1820s.

Captivating Watercolors

The auction also featured charming watercolor works, such as Between School Hours by Charles Edward Wilson (1854-1941), which portrays two children engaging with rabbits. This delightful piece captured the hearts of many and sold for £750. “It was such a sweet painting, and the colors were so well preserved,” remarked Chloe.

Upcoming Auction Details

As the January 21 auction approaches, the deadline for consigning artworks is fast approaching, with a closing date set for December 19. Prospective sellers should act swiftly to ensure their pieces are included.

Among the pieces already consigned is a pair of large oil paintings attributed to James Pollard (1792-1867), each valued between £2,000 and £3,000. Titled King George III Hunting in Windsor Forest and King George III Returning from Hunting, these expansive works measure 75cm x 105cm and represent Pollard’s celebrated talent for capturing equestrian scenes in British history.

Elegant Venetian Scenes

Another highly anticipated painting for the January auction is an oil on canvas by William Edward Webb (1862-1903), depicting a gondola scene set in Venice. This artwork captures a woman and child relaxing on the gondola, framed by sailing vessels and the iconic St. Mark’s Dome in the background. With an estimated value of £800 to £1,200, this piece showcases Webb’s expertise in coastal themes.

How to Get Involved

If you’re interested in consigning artworks or prints for this exciting auction, Halls Fine Art invites submissions via email at fineart@hallsgb.com. With a diverse array of pieces and a growing interest in the art market, this upcoming fine art auction in Shrewsbury promises to be an event not to be missed.