An early work by Alfred Munnings depicting Romani life at Norwich’s historic Tombland Fair is set to lead the sale. Sir Alfred Munnings (1878-1959) grew up in the deeply rural Waveney Valley in Suffolk, and his childhood was spent sketching the working horses around the family mill. Going on to set up his own studio, the opening decade of the 20th century saw him established himself as an artist painting in rural East Anglia, documenting the countryside and country life, sketching travellers, working horses and the local society in his characteristic impressionistic manner, filled with colour and light. It was only after the First World War that he went on to concentrate on painting horses, becoming the most celebrated equestrian artist of the 20th century.
A good range of traditional Sporting art of offer in the sale includes a rare depiction of a 19th century boxing match - one of the most fascinating works in the sale. It illustrates the match which took place between Carter and Oliver at Gretna Green on 4th October 1816 on the estate of Sir James Maxwell. The stakes were a hefty 100 guineas each, and the contest took place in a 24-foot roped ring in front of approximately 30,000 spectators, leaving the streets around Carlisle empty. Going into the match, Oliver was the favourite to win, but despite rumours of Carter’s lack of prowess, he dominated the fight and came out the victor. Carter was seconded by Painter and Harmer, and Oliver by Cribb and Copper, whose names are painted on the bottom of the frame.
There is also a strong selection of ornithological works by the likes of Archibald Thorburn and John Cyril Harrison.
Further highlights of the sale include The Incredulity of St Thomas by a Follower of Philippe de Champaigne, and a charming depiction of two children inspecting a bird’s nest by Dorothea Sharp.
Click here to find out more about consigning to upcoming sales
Category
Lot 1017 - Peter de Wint OWS (1784-1849) "View at Glatton,...
Sold for £250
Estimated at £200 - £300
Lot 1019 - John Varley OWS (1778-1842) "Bala Lake, North...
Sold for £1,200
Estimated at £250 - £400
Lot 1035 - Archibald Thorburn FZS (1860-1935) Scottish...
Sold for £4,200
Estimated at £2,000 - £3,000
Lot 1036 - Archibald Thorburn FZS (1860-1935) Scottish...
Sold for £4,800
Estimated at £2,000 - £3,000
Lot 1041 - Archibald Thorburn FZS (1860-1935) Scottish A...
Sold for £2,800
Estimated at £600 - £900
Lot 1042 - John Atkinson (1863-1924) "Brough Hill" Signed,...
Sold for £600
Estimated at £250 - £400
Lot 1046 - Attributed to Sawrey Gilpin RA FSA (1733-1807)...
Sold for £1,800
Estimated at £2,000 - £3,000
Lot 1049 - George Paice (1854-1925) "Wappy, aged 15 years"...
Sold for £480
Estimated at £200 - £300
Lot 1057 - William Hannah Clarke (1882-1924) "Farm track"...
Sold for £1,000
Estimated at £400 - £600
Lot 1058 - Carlo Corsetti (19th Century) Italian Trompe l'...
Sold for £3,000
Estimated at £1,200 - £1,800
Lot 1059 - Attributed to John Linnell (1792-1882) "Sunset"...
Sold for £5,200
Estimated at £300 - £500
Lot 1061 - John William Haynes (19th Century) "The Lesson"...
Sold for £480
Estimated at £500 - £800
Lot 1062 - Joseph Clark ROI (1834-1926) "Bedtime" Signed...
Sold for £1,400
Estimated at £1,500 - £2,500
Lot 1065 - British School (19th Century) "Fight between...
Sold for £42,000
Estimated at £3,000 - £5,000
Lot 1067 - Follower of Philippe de Champaigne (1602-1674)...
Sold for £8,500
Estimated at £6,000 - £9,000
Lot 1073 - Sir Alfred Munnings KCVO, PRA, RI (1878-1959) "...
Sold for £20,000
Estimated at £20,000 - £30,000
Lot 1075 - Henry Perlee Parker HRSA (1785-1873) "The Old...
Sold for £3,000
Estimated at £1,500 - £2,500
Lot 1077 - Andreas Schelfhout (1787-1870) Dutch Snowbound...
Sold for £3,200
Estimated at £2,000 - £3,000
Lot 1081 - Sir David Young Cameron RA, RSA, RWS, RSW, RE...
Sold for £7,800
Estimated at £600 - £900
Lot 1082 - John Steven Dews (b. 1949) "Outward Bound"...
Sold for £2,200
Estimated at £2,500 - £3,500
Lot 1084 - Thomas Bromley Blacklock (1863-1903) Scottish "...
Sold for £2,800
Estimated at £2,000 - £3,000
Lot 1085 - Dorothea Sharp RBA, ROI, VPSWA (1873-1955)...
Sold for £16,000
Estimated at £10,000 - £15,000