Modern British Art

Re: ‘In-cider knowledge needed…’, Letters, ATG Nos 2519/21.

Two works by ‘kitchen sink’ realist John Bratby (1928-92) were offered in the latest picture sale at Olympia Auctions (25% buyer’s premium).

A sight increasingly uncommon at auction – the trade outbidding private buyers on key lots of Modern art – occurred a number of times at Sworders’ (25% buyer’s premium) latest sale in this category.

Sale of works owned by the Scottish artist Wilhelmina Barns-Graham reflects strong connections with other St Ives artists.

Ever since the auction record for David Jagger (1891-1958) was more than doubled six years ago by the striking portrait The Conscientious Objector, works by the elusive artist have been a highly valuable proposition.

A view of the town of Vence in the south of France by Roger Fry (1866-1934) caught the eye of several bidders at Cheffins (24.5% buyer’s premium).

I do hope Dr Mike Wain has better luck than I did in finding out who painted his picture ('In-cider knowledge needed…', ATG No 2519).

The strong prices for Modern British female artists keep rolling on. Among the notable results in the regions recently was a beach scene by Dorothea Sharp (1874-1955) that was among the star performers at Parker Auctions (25% buyer’s premium).

“From then on, nothing went right. My carpet designs were rejected and my textiles were not required."

Connecting two of Britain’s leading 20th century female artists, a pencil drawing by Dame Barbara Hepworth (1903-75) given to Wilhelmina Barns-Graham (1912-2004) as a wedding present was the highlight of Lyon & Turnbull’s recent auction of works from the latter’s collection.

Among Gilbert Ledward’s (1880-1960) most admired works is the sensuous nude, 'Awakening' or 'The Awakening', that today stands in Ropers Garden on the Chelsea Embankment.

Martin Heaps is the founder and owner of Collect Art in Lymm near Warrington.

Works by the Scottish Colourists led the day as expected at Bonhams’ (27.5/25/20/14.5% buyer’s premium) latest Scottish art sale in Edinburgh but the slightly muted demand that emerged meant it was not always plain sailing.

The artist John Maclauchlan Milne (1885-1957) is sometimes referred to as ‘The Fifth Colourist’ due to the way he followed in the Post-Impressionist tradition of fellow Scottish painters Peploe, Fergusson, Cadell and Hunter.

Your starter for 10 – can you identify the artist of these still-lifes? Samuel Peploe, right?

A small picture by a giant of the 20th century Scottish art market captivated both domestic and overseas buyers at Sworders’ (25% buyer’s premium) latest Modern and Contemporary art sale.