Watercolours

Tom Mendel opened Nonesuch Gallery in 2020 and specialises in works on paper c.1500-1900.

A group of watercolours from the collection of the renowned botanist, entomologist William Curtis (1746-99), drew attention in a Surrey sale.

An event that started back in 2006 as a casual gallery tour held during the New York Old Masters auctions has grown this year to 25 exhibitors.

A set of four miniature oil paintings depicting Derby-winning racehorses belonging to John Bowes (1811-85), co-founder of The Bowes Museum, has been reunited after being bought at auction.

British watercolours are reliant not just on subject matter but also on market freshness, condition and a good pitch

While the main paintings from the collection of dealer Sir Jack Baer and his wife Diana were sold at Sworders (25% buyer’s premium) at the end of September (see ATG No 2564), a group of around 50 works on paper were held back and offered at the Stansted Mountfitchet saleroom’s latest Homes and Interiors online auction.

A group of five watercolours by Peter de Wint (1784-1849) that were previously kept at a Grade II-listed Oxfordshire country house caught the eye at a recent sale.

A small watercolour titled A Sleeping Wayfarer by George Richmond (1809-96) roused a few bidders into action when it was offered at auction.

Among a number of sporting pictures generating decent interest at recent sales, this autumn Cheffins (24.5% buyer’s premium) posted the highest auction price for the hunting specialist Lionel Edwards (1878-1966) in over 12 years.

George Pol Georghiou (1901-72) is a well-known name in his native Cyprus where his work can be found in many public collections.

A clutch of good-quality traditional landscapes exceeded hopes at Exeter saleroom Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood (25% buyer’s premium).

Two miniatures of Derby winners belonging to John Bowes (1811-85), founder of the Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle, come for sale at Elstob & Elstob’s Ripon saleroom on November 30.

Tory politician acquired the artist’s watercolours before London dealer raised the profile

A round up of portrait miniatures appearing at auction and offered by dealers.

Despite being buffeted by the vagaries of fashion and now the modern crusade against antique ivory, portrait miniatures have managed to keep a keen collecting base.

How can an enthusiast create a museum-quality collection without vast sums of money?

“I couldn’t have started collecting without the help and guidance of Robert Bayne-Powell (1910-94).

When collecting portrait miniatures it is important to know what materials have been used.

The market presence of Sarah Biffin (1784-1850), a portrait miniaturist born without hands, arms and legs, has been rising over the past few years.