Western Morning News (Saturday)
Something for everyone with 150 lots for sale
As part of the regular Focus on Five series, auctioneer Paul Keen takes a look at the upcoming Contemporary Art sale in Plymouth next week
THERE is a real mix to this auction with a contrast of affordable contemporary and local art on offer. Choosing five from a selection of 150 lots isn’t easy but looking around the saleroom some bright dynamic paintings stand out including lot 211, a great painting consigned by Hackney artist Nicholas Borden, painted in bright oils depicting ‘View From St. Augustine’s Tower, Hackney’, 50cm x 76cm.
This work was exhibited at Town House Gallery, London this year. It was a pleasure to meet Nicholas and chat about the work when he travelled down to Plymouth. He studied at Saint Martin’s School of Art and then the Royal College of Art. I am delighted that there have already been a number of bids on the work and hope that it will reach its £800 to £1000 estimate.
Nearby is a painting titled ‘Welcome Home Featuring The Nearly Home Trees’. It has been entered for sale by the artist Karen Farrington, who is based in Launceston, Cornwall. This is the second painting we have offered and her distinctive style make this a perfect collectable artwork with an attractive guide price at just £200 to £300.
Back to Plymouth and painting in the Lenkiewicz style is popular new local artist Simon K Bennett with an oil portrait titled ‘Jodie’.
Dating from 2016 measuring 87cm x 57cm, this work would blend with a modern or traditional home at £300 to £400.
Two works by Devon artist Katharine
(Kat) Lightfoot really stand out including ‘Hounds’ measuring 80cm x 70cm. Both paintings were acquired by the seller directly from the artist and they have already attracted attention including an enquiry from Australia.
Works by this artist rarely come up for sale at auction and command high prices in galleries. They are estimated from £1000 to £1500 each.
Finally, on to the continent with Italian artist Giuseppe Capogrossi (1900-1972). He was a popular abstract artist, exhibited in 1934 at the Western Art Museum’s ‘Exhibition of Contemporary Italian Painting’ in San Francisco.
He subsequently became one of the main exponents of Italian informal art. Lot 310 is a hand signed low edition lithograph titled ‘Opale 3’ circa 1971 and is one of several works on offer, with a guide of just £150 to £200.
The auction will also feature works by Robert Lenkiewicz and takes place online and live at the salerooms in Plymouth on Wednesday, September 15 at 6pm. Visit the website to browse all the lots at plymouthauctions.co.uk.