First sold in 1988 at Phillips for £4200, and subsequently restored, it came from the estate of Miss Doris Park, the last surviving granddaughter of Old Willie. Her father, Willie Park Junior, was also an Open winner.
Estimated at £15,000-20,000, the portrait promises to be the highlight of the Bob Gowland International Golf Auction, timed to coincide with the 133rd Open Championship at Royal St George’s. The sale takes place at the Mickle Trafford Hall, Chester on July 10.
Coming up in Chester...
This portrait in oils depicts Willie Park Senior of Musselburgh who won the very first Open Championship held at Prestwick Golf Club in 1860. Painted by an unidentified hand c.1860, when Park first leapt to fame (he won the championship again in 1863, 1866 and 1875), it is believed to be the only known contemporary portrait of a 19th century Open golf champion.
