The picturesque half-timbered architecture of Chester was one of Rayner’s favourite subjects and this particular watercolour, measuring an impressive 201/2in by 2ft 41/2in (52 x 72cm), was a typically detail-crammed view of Northgate Street crowded with Victorian shoppers. Justifiably described in the catalogue as showing Louise Rayner at the “zenith of her powers”, the watercolour was in superbly preserved condition, if in a later frame, and was thought to be totally fresh to the auction market.
True to the strategy of selling regional material in the relevant regional area, this sold to a local collector against underbidding from the trade at a record £27,000 (estimate of £15,000-20,000). The previous high for the artist had been the £23,500 given for The High, Oxford at Bearnes of Torquay back in September 1989.
£27,000 Rayner is put in her place
One of the advantages of being an auction house with offices and salerooms spread around the country is that items with regional associations can be sold in the areas with the relevant local interest. This is precisely what happened on November 8 when the signed Louise Rayner (1832-1924) watercolour that had originally been consigned to Phillips Bath came up for sale 120 miles and one corporate take-over away at Bonhams Chester (15/10% buyer’s premium).
