But on the evidence of David Duggleby’s (12.5% buyer’s premium) April 7 sale in Scarborough substantial sums can also be obtained for Atkinson Grimshaw without the input of the big hitters of the London trade. Though fresh to the market from a local private source and in untouched condition, the signed and dated 1892 canvas of Liverpool docks by moonlight that came under the hammer at this North Yorkshire sale was, from a trade perspective, not the most obviously commercial example of the artist’s work.
At 13 1/2 in by 17 1/2in (34 x 44cm), it was a little on the small side and its rather schematic composition was characteristic of the more formulaic works produced in the twilight years of Grimshaw’s career.
Possibly, given the sale’s location and Atkinson Grimshaw being a much-loved son of Yorkshire, the trans-Pennine scene also counted against a high price.
Nonetheless, two bidders on the telephone and three in the room were enthusiastic enough about the painting to push it well beyond the £30,000-40,000 estimate, the hammer eventually falling at £56,000 to a Northern collector in the room, underbid by a South of England trader on the telephone.
Bidders enjoy moonlighting as big hitters stay at home
THANKS to intense internicine competition between major London dealers such as Richard Green and David Mason in recent years, the once-maligned name of Atkinson Grimshaw (1836-1839) has become a byword for high prices at UK art sales.
