Cockermouth: Mitchells auction to feature Percy Kelly art

A collection of paintings by Kelly are expected to be the highest selling lots at Mitchells Antiques and Fine Art Sale from September 24 to 26.

The sale will also feature artwork by John Piper, amongst other highlights.

An abstract oil and collage on card from 1962/63 by John Piper RA(Image: Mitchells)

A total of four Kelly pieces will be on sale, including an oil-on-board painting entitled Red Bridge Near Aspatria.

The piece, encased in a gilt frame and measuring 21 by 26cm, is estimated to fetch between £4,000 to £6,000.

Also drawing attention is an abstract oil and collage on card created between 1962 and 1963 by John Piper.

Edward Horace Thompson watercolour of Crummock and Buttermere(Image: Mitchells)

This early study for The Piper Building Murals in London was originally a gift from the artist to P. Manzareli and is projected to fetch between £1,500 and £2,500.

An Edward Horace Thompson watercolour, depicting Crummock and Buttermere, will also be available for purchase.

This artwork, measuring 29.5 by 44cm, is expected to fetch between £250 and £350.

For those interested in more contemporary art, a Marie Scott abstract acrylic on paper, framed and mounted, is due to come under the hammer.

The artwork, with a Castlegate House Gallery label at the rear, has an estimated selling price of £80 to £120.

Moving from artwork to antique pieces, a highlight is an 18ct gold diamond and ruby floral spray brooch, estimated at £350 to £450.

An 18 ct gold diamond and ruby floral spray brooch(Image: Mitchells)

Antique furniture enthusiasts will be interested in the William IV well-figured rosewood centre table, valued between £450 and £600, and a mid-century Nathan teak sideboard, expected to fetch £250 to £350.

The sale also includes a 19th-century monocular microscope, adorned with accessories and slides in three boxes.

Housed in a mahogany case, the instrument comes from the stable of H Crouch, 57 London Wall, London, and is expected to sell for £200 to £300.

19th century monocular microscope by H Crouch(Image: Mitchells)

It is one of two microscopes in the sale.

Among the unusual items available for bidding is a vintage Mont Blanc Hemingway fountain pen, valued between £600 and £800, and a hefty Chinese hardstone horse figure, estimated between £150 and £250.

The three-day auction will kick off on Wednesday, September 24, with the sale of Asian art, ceramics and glassware, coins, jewellery, pocket watches, and silver and allied wares.

Thursday, September 25, will see the auctioning of paintings, drawings and prints, objects of art, collectors’ items, metalware, and textiles.

Vintage Mont Blanc Hemingway fountain pen(Image: Mitchells)

The final day, Friday, September 26, will feature table boxes, wall clocks, barometers and mirrors, furniture, longcase clocks, dining tables, and chairs.

The Saleroom will have lots on view from Sunday, September 21, 11am to 3pm, and on Monday, September 22, and Tuesday, September 23, from 10am to 5pm.

Throughout each sale day, the public can view additional items.

The illustrated catalogue is available online at the-saleroom.com/Mitchells.

Potential buyers can register to make automatic bids before the sale or bid live during the auction.

Meanwhile, entries are still welcome for Mitchell’s Country Sporting Sale taking place from October 22 to 24.

Entries to this sale close on Friday, September 19.