In terms of pictures, Latimers’ inaugural sale on December 13-14 was relatively low-key, but it did include this Alfred Augustus Glendening (fl. 1861-1903) canvas, enttitled The Thames near Weybridge, which had been entered from a house clearance in the South-West London area.
This tranquil summer riverscape, featuring harvesters loading a hayrick, was a signed work measuring 151/2 by 2ft 51/2in (39 x 75cm) and though not regarded by the trade as a top-notch example by the artist, but it had the attraction to private bidders of being a local – well, at least relatively local – scene.
As far as the trade was concerned, and dealers are of course qually aware of the sales potential of local subjects, it was fresh enough and commercial enough to attract serious money.
Eventually it sold at £9000 to a Home Counties dealer against opposition from four telephone bidders. The pre-sale estimate had been £4000-8000.
Meanwhile, Latimers, like everyone else in the trade, will be wondering how the auction landscape of Sussex will change over the next few months.
A view to the Sussex future
UK: WITH the trade’s rumour mill in overdrive over the possible closure of Sotheby’s Billingshurst, the decision by a West Sussex businessman to open a new auction house Latimers (15 per cent buyer’s premium) in Horsham, barely 10 miles away from Summers Place, could well prove to be timely.
