Modern British Art

A Post-Impressionist painting of a horse-drawn hansom cab by Robert Bevan (1865-1925) was one of the headline lots at the Modern British art sales in London.

The British Art Fair (BAF) is to return to its previous dates in late September.

A spate of early to mid-20th century portraits of society figures and important personalities generated stiff competition at UK sales in London and the regions.

When this portrait of a young woman was first exhibited in the early 1930s, critics remarked on its “intensity and vital quality”, “the charming head” and the “wonderful life-like expression”.

Group of works from the Cornish school underpins a positive Modern British offering

A group of “historically important” watercolour and pencil drawings of the London Blitz sparked a bidding war at Cirencester saleroom Dominic Winter (20% buyer’s premium).

As his reputation began to grow in the early 1940s, Michael Ayrton (1921-75) embarked on a series of melancholic paintings in the Neo-Romantic style.

At various stages of painting 'Pear Still Life' (1971), Craigie Aitchison (1926-2009) included a golden bird, a yellow rose and constellation of five-pointed stars.

A portrait of a mystery sitter by Ambrose McEvoy (1877-1927) sold at auction nearly four years ago led dealer Philip Mould to uncover a forgotten stash of works by the neglected British artist in a lock-up.

'Lights o’ London – Glasshouse Street by Piccadilly Circus' is among more than 20 works by Rex Vicat Cole (1870-1940) and his son John on offer at a show featuring depictions of the capital spanning 200 years.

Our weekly selection from salerooms.

Newcastle-upon-Tyne saleroom Anderson & Garland has received a group of works by current market favourite Cedric Morris (1889-1982) which it will offer for sale early next year. The oil 'Spanish Basket of Vegetable No.1 1961', as indicated by labels to the reverse, was exhibited at the Tate’s Morris exhibition in March-May 1984.

Morris record takes the headlines but his pupil is also in demand at same sale.

The year after Cedric Morris painted his verdant Foxgloves in 1932, a severe drought cut through much of southern Britain. The parched soil and the hardship it brought were a source of artistic inspiration for those who painted the form and the character of the rural landscape.

The Lyon & Turnbull Modern Made sale in London on November 14 includes an archive of material relating to Porthia Prints, the company established by St Ives artist Denis Mitchell and his brother in the 1950s.

A 1940s view of Swansea described as ‘historically important’ by the auction house which sold it featured among some good results for 20th century Welsh art in the regions.

Simple still-life of flowers showcases the Mod Brit artist’s love of colour and luminosity

London art dealer Philip Mould was the successful bidder for three works by Cedric Morris (1889-1982) sold in Essex last week. One set a new auction record for the artist plantsman.

Classic summer scene by artist known for neighbourhood views makes rare appearance