A Glimpse into Halls Fine Art’s Auction Success
Overview of the Auction
Halls Fine Art’s recent Modern and Contemporary Art and Design auction at the Battlefield saleroom in Shrewsbury garnered significant attention, with two thirds of the 85 lots finding new owners. This event not only created a buzz among local collectors but also attracted bidders from across Europe and America, highlighting the auction’s international reach.
Key Highlights and Top Sellers
At the forefront of the auction was the stunning collection of Art Deco pieces, which featured some remarkable sculptures and designer items. The standout sellers included exquisitely crafted sculptures of dancing females by the renowned Austrian sculptor Jozeph Lorenzl (1892-1950). These captivating pieces fetched impressive prices, with the highest selling for up to £1,500.
Alongside these sculptures, other notable sales included a pair of tall candelabras and photo frames, each commanding £420. A charming group of lights and light fixtures also attracted attention, while a chic chrome standard lamp with frosted glass shades sold for £320. The diverse nature of the collection ensured that there was something for every art enthusiast.
A Historic Collection with Local Roots
The collection’s origins are steeped in the history of Shrewsbury. According to Alexander Clement, Halls Fine Art’s senior valuer, the vendor previously owned an Art Deco house in Copthorne, where this exquisite collection was displayed. The decision to furnish the home in a classic Art Deco style contributed to its recognition as a local landmark.
Clement noted that the estimated value of the collection was around £15,000, and the auction results exceeded expectations. With a healthy interest in modern and contemporary art, Halls Fine Art demonstrated a growing market for these collectibles, particularly among international bidders.
Notable Artworks and Artists
The auction showcased a range of exceptional artworks, further amplifying its appeal. One of the top lots was an acrylic on paper piece titled “Butterfly Spin” by Damien Hirst, which sold for £1,900. This piece exemplified the contemporary art segment’s strength.
Other noteworthy sales included “Autumn Oak” by British artist Fred Cuming, which fetched £1,300. Additionally, an oil painting depicting Port Isaac harbour in Cornwall by Rowland Fisher sold for £1,150, while “Sunset, Barga, Tuscany” by Carlo Rossi realized £900.
Welsh artist Aneurin M. Jones also drew collector interest, with two of his acrylic and oil paintings, “Farmers and Welsh Cob” and “Welsh Farmers at a Stock Sale,” selling for £1,250 and £900, respectively. This continuing success indicates a growing following for Jones at Halls Fine Art.
Diverse Offerings Across the Collection
The auction house didn’t just stick to famous names; it included a variety of works appealing to different tastes. A signed woodcut titled “Green Flower” by Ken Kiff sold for £700, along with “Daffodils in a vase” by Francis Tailleux, which made £650. Additionally, works by Dan Mieduch and Dorothy Bradford each sold for £600, showcasing the range of talent represented in the auction.
Highlights in Modern and Contemporary Design
The auction not only focused on fine art but also featured modern and contemporary design items. A vintage Louis Vuitton keepall luggage bag was another highlight, selling for £400. An Art Deco walnut cocktail cabinet added to the extravagance at £360, and Philip Hearsey’s “Homelands Lazy Table” attracted bids, selling for £260. These pieces illustrated the eclectic nature of the collection, appealing to both art aficionados and design lovers.
The International Reach of Halls Fine Art
As the auction wrapped up, it became evident that there is a robust market for modern and contemporary art and design. Halls Fine Art’s ability to attract a diverse national and international audience signifies the growing interest in such collectibles. Bidder participation from Europe and the United States further emphasizes the auction house’s expanding influence. Moving forward, Halls Fine Art is actively seeking more collections for future sales, eager to continue this trend of success in the art market.