Colour up your life this Spring with help from Britain’s most talented artists
SUNSHINE, longer days and the easing of lockdown is lifting spirits this Easter - and Hansons can inject even more colour into your life. Immersing yourself in the fascinating world of art and antiques is a wonderful way to forget your troubles and focus on all things bright and beautiful. And there’s no better way to bring colour to your life than adding a vibrant painting to a wall at home.
Auctions offer an opportunity to discover all types of art and artists, from classic to modern, and I defy anyone not to find something they truly admire.
For those proud of their Derbyshire heritage, lot 183 in our Spring Fine Art Auction at Bishton Hall tomorrow is a signed painting of Haddon Hall by Arthur Henry Knighton-hammond (British, 1875-1970), £300-£500.
It captures the period property from a side angle on a summer’s day with flowers billowing in the breeze.
Haddon Hall, near Bakewell, one of Derbyshire’s finest country houses and a filming location for period dramas such as Jane Eyre and Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, offered inspiration to Arthur.
In his youth, he practised landscape techniques at Haddon and the Derbyshire Dales.
Born in Arnold, Nottinghamshire, in 1875, Arthur was the youngest of six. He left school at the age of 11 and worked in his brother’s grocery shop before his father apprenticed him to a watchmaker in Nottingham, against his wishes.
However, working in Nottingham enabled Arthur to attend the School of Art where he studied under Wilson Foster. Eventually, he persuaded his father to terminate his apprenticeship so he could take up art full time.
In 1895, aged 20, he exhibited his first painting at Nottingham Castle Museum.
In 1900, Arthur moved to London, determined to make a living from painting. He studied at the Westminster School of Art and tuned into popular crazes, such as the demand for picture postcards.
In 1902, he married Winifred Reeves and set up home in London where they had two daughters. Later they moved to Youlgreave in Derbyshire. He began to hold exhibitions of his work at Bakewell Town Hall and in 1907 a painting entitled Golden Autumn, Derbyshire, was accepted by the Royal Academy.
The following year, An Autumn Afternoon, Lathkil Dale, Derbyshire, was also accepted by the Royal Academy – huge achievements. He continued to travel and develop his art throughout his life, building a major body of work which has gained much respect and admiration.
In artistic contrast, our auction tomorrow also offers 12 paintings by British painter David Wilde who lived from 1934-1978.
Though born 59 years after Arthur, the two were working at the same time, albeit in different styles. Both died in the 1970s as Arthur lived to the grand old age of 95.
David’s work oozes futuristic style. If you are looking for colour and joie de vivre, his vibrant work cannot help but draw the eye. Inspired by storms, magic, fireworks, shooting stars and Venice, among many other things, David’s art delivers a heady and uplifting mix.
For example, lot 172 is entitled Fantastic Fireworks for the Doge, Venice, £150-£200. Then there’s lot 176, Enter the Magician, £100-150; lot 177, Storm at Sea, Maroons Fired, £200-£300; lot 179, Electrical Storm over Venice, £150-£250 and lot 184, Summer Storm Port Penryhn, £200300.
Born and raised in a working-class family in Rusholme, Manchester, David (birth name Norman Shacklock) was accepted into the Manchester School of Art at the age of 15.
After working as a draughtsman during the Second World War, he became a technical illustrator and was also a successful erotic illustrator on the continent where he exhibited alongside Dali and Picasso.
After the war he became a freelance artist and designer. He worked for nine years at Carlton Press and became acquainted with Peter Blake and L.S. Lowry. But David’s vibrant paintings were a million miles away from Lowry’s matchstick men.
A metaphysical poet and abstract artist, David rejected the typically northern way of representing Britain and replaced it with his own futuristic vision.
And his broad, sweeping stroked he picked out every colour in the landscape.
He died in 1978 leaving behind a large body of work covering Wales, the Industrial north and many pictures which illustrated his infatuation with Marilyn Munroe.
These paintings and hundreds of other beautiful items can be viewed online at www.hansonslive.co.uk in our April 8 Fine Art and April 9 Curated Ceramics and Glass auction catalogues.
If you have something to sell, entries are invited for our April 29 Derbyshire Fine Art and Jewellery Auction, plus consignments are welcome for all our monthly general and specialist sales.
To arrange a free valuation, email service@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk