Antiques News

Scottish Field’s round-up of the salerooms, interesting lots and prices

YOU'VE BEEN FRAMED

McTears in Glasgow is holding an Asian Works of Art Auction on 30 April. One of the lots included is a group of Indian minatures, mounted in an oval frame, measuring 51cm x 41cm. It has an estimate of £800-£1,200.

Awe and wonder

Lyon & Turnbull’s forthcoming Decorative Arts: Design since 1860 auction on 1 April will feature a Thomas Clapperton sculpture, Wonderland. It is expected to sell for £6,000-£8,000. It was commissioned by the mayor of Oamaru in New Zealand, Robert Milligan, after seeing Sir George Frampton’s portrayal of Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens. In 1926, Milligan gifted the piece to the children of Oamaru. This bronze reduction marks Clapperton’s diversity as a sculptor.

Feeling fruity?

A Royal Worcester fruit painted vase and cover, painted by Harry Ayrton, is going to auction as part of the Home and Interiors sale at Bonhams in Edinburgh on

1 April with an estimate of £1,000-£1,500. Dating from the post-war period, the vase is painted on one side with apples and white grapes, and on the other side with peaches and black grapes, on a mossy ground. It has been signed by the artist.

OVER THE ASKING

A rare mug dating from the 17th century came up for auction at Ramsay Cornish Auctioneers in Edinburgh recently. The rare English delft caudle cup of baluster form was painted with a church, houses and boats in full sail, under a motto 'Be Merry and Wise' and dated 1650 (it is extensively cracked, chipped and repaired). The mug has a height of 12cm, and a diameter of around 11cm. Remarkably it sold for £13,000 (plus 20% buyer’s premium), but was only expected to have a hammer price of between £200 and £300.