Art Market

Not all Contemporary art has to be either abstract or wacky.

Contemporary African art was a topic of discussion at last month’s The Art Business Conference in London.

William Gear (1915-97) is among the Modern Scottish artists whose work regularly appears at auction.

One of the highlights at the timed online of Modern and Contemporary Art Auction at Halls of Shrewsbury, which closes on May 2, is a large painting of sunflowers by John Bratby (1928-92).

Scottish artist Joseph Farquharson (1846-1935) is best known for his snowy landscapes with sheep that earned him the nickname ‘Frozen Mutton Farquharson’.

Two views of historic British landmarks by John Martin (1789-1854) attracted interest in different parts of the country.

Group of 12 offered in Cambridge saleroom comprised mainly 18th century British works

A couple of elegant portraits from the collection of Professor Bernard Nevill (1930-2019) drew keen interest at Bellmans (22% buyer’s premium).

A number of portraits of women from different periods of history were among the most contested pictures at sales around the country in the early part of this year.

Local appeal propelled a naïve painting of Farnham to 40-times its top estimate at Parker Fine Art Auctions’ (25% buyer’s premium) latest sale.

The Kent artist William Stephen Tomkin (1861-1940) is best known as a proficient watercolour painter of marine subjects and a draughtsman who worked for General August Pitt Rivers (of Oxford museum fame) between 1882-90.

Although an artist may not have wide recognition, strong local links can compensate

Two works formerly owned by American actor Douglas Fairbanks Jr (1909-2000) drew dramatic competition at a dedicated sale of his collection.

A work by the prolific Helen Bradley (1900-79) drew interest at the latest Northern Art sale held by Wilson55 (22% buyer’s premium) in Nantwich, Cheshire.

Group of 18 lots sets a new level of demand and prices as recent trends drive strong interest

After producing some of the most famous images of the Second World War, Paul Nash (1889-1946) began to focus on more pleasant landscapes.

Refurbishment of the East Anglian art school’s former home and an exhibition could push prices up

Prices for Tirzah Garwood (1908-51) continue to rise.

Christie’s was first off the mark in terms of releasing details of upcoming lots at this summer’s Old Masters auction series in London. Last week it announced two important consignments from the collection of Cecil and Hilda Lewis.

An unfinished portrait attributed to Sir Anthony van Dyck (1599-1641) led the inaugural sale held by Sloane Street Auctions (25% buyer’s premium) in London.