A collection of 19th-century watercolour paintings depicting scenes from Snowdonia, alongside fine jewellery and watches, achieved a total of £50,000 at Halls Fine Art’s recent auction in Shrewsbury on June 12.
The highlight of the auction was a series of watercolours owned by a Herefordshire family, showcasing landscapes of Southern Snowdonia including Cadair Idris, Dolgellau, Barmouth, and Harlech. Acquired from prominent London galleries, the collection featured works by renowned artists such as John Varley, David Cox, James Holland, and Alfred William Hunt.
Leading the sales was David Cox’s ‘Travellers in a Welsh valley,’ which fetched £4,400. John Varley’s panoramic view from Cadair Idris sold for £4,200, with additional works by Varley achieving prices of £3,200, £1,600, and £1,500 respectively. Hand coloured aquatints by Thomas Daniell also garnered significant interest, with prices ranging from £1,900 to £3,700.
Abigail Molenaar, Halls Fine Art’s specialist in paintings and prints, commented on the appeal of the collection: “The vendor and her late husband selected remarkable watercolours from esteemed London galleries, focusing on locations in north Wales that held personal significance. The pieces, from the golden age of British watercolours, were cherished within the family for generations, boasting impeccable provenance and condition.”
Among the jewellery highlights was an 18-carat gold and green tourmaline bracelet by Tom Scott, which sold for £3,600. Additionally, two watercolours by Indian artist Sardar Ganda Thakar Singh, originally discovered among a general consignment, achieved prices of £3,000 and £1,650, appealing to buyers from India.
Reflecting on the success of the auction, Molenaar noted the robust market for single-owner collections of paintings, particularly watercolours, and expressed readiness to assist potential sellers seeking a personalized auction experience.
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