Variety of delightful artworks

IN pre-Covid days, the Saturday morning viewings at David Lay’s Auction House were bustling, sociable affairs, particularly for the Fine Art sales, as Penzance’s highly knowledgeable, artistic community would meet and browse a range of works that would often put a serious art gallery to shame.

In the ‘new normal’, clients can now view the sales in person again (Lay’s website has a sophisticated online appointment booking system) but in small numbers, so it has become a much quieter experience. The quality of the work on sale however, just keeps getting better and better.

Lay’s previous Fine Art sale in January was one of its most successful ever sales with works by favourites such as Laura Knight, Beryl Cook and Alfred Wallis making astronomical sums, as collectors competed to place their money in secure artistic investments.

In Lay’s upcoming May 13/14 Fine Art Sale, the Penzance auctioneers are delighted to be selling works by such greats as Pablo Picasso and Dame Barbara Hepworth. A small bronze by the great St Ives sculptor and a ceramic work by the legendary Picasso are undoubtedly the star lots, but the 800-lot sale boasts some exceptionably beautiful paintings. Amongst all these high value lots, there is plenty to interest in all other price ranges.

Of particular note is a lovely collection of over 30 sculptures and gouaches by the relatively unknown, self-taught St Ives artist William Black. During his time living and working in St Ives, Black formed a close friendship with John Tunnard and collaborated with many artists including Ben Nicholson, Barbara Hepworth and Naum Gabo.

A guest book that once belonged to SJ Lamorna Birch’s daughter ‘Mornie’ Kerr may carry a modest estimate of £200400, yet it is a fascinating piece of artistic history. It was an Edwardian fad to ask guests to sign a visitors’ book, this particular book is an amusing alternative to the conventional guestbook, as it required visitors to draw a pig whilst blindfolded! It is filled with the comical porcine sketches of many well-known artists of the Newlyn School and Lamorna artists’ colony, who passed through Flagstaff Cottage.

This fabulous two-day sale is split into Cornish Art on day one and all other Fine Art on day two.

Viewing appointment slots can be booked via www.davidlay.co.uk.

> William Black, ‘Guardians’ copper sculpture, estimate £600-800

> William Black, ‘Harbour’ gouache, estimate £300-500

> Pig guest book, estimate £200-400