Two paintings with one bid

IT is not often you get the opportunity to bid for an original Beryl Cook (1926-2008) painting and even more rare to have the chance to bid for two, particularly when they are presented back to back in one painting. Now collectors of her easily identifiable, often comical, and engaging artworks are expected to be out in force to bid for an impressive double-sided painting at Plymouth Auction Rooms next month.

The painting has been consigned to auction by a private collector from the North of England who recognised that the strongest interest for Beryl Cook art is in her hometown of Plymouth.

The impressive-size double painting has two titles, the first is ‘French Tango’ which depicts an energetic couple dancing away in very much the classic style of Beryl Cook with strong caricature faces. The reverse of the painting, more unusual, is titled “The Expedition”, a scene with a couple rowing a boat whilst being keenly spied on by a lion and lioness.

Auctioneer Paul Keen said: “We are delighted to present another rare Beryl Cook original in the space of just three months. Not only is this a major sized work by one of Britain’s most popular contemporary artists, but the buyer will also have the opportunity to acquire two paintings in one bid!”

The reversable painting measures 114 x 89cm in the frame and comes to auction on March 16 with a guide price of £10,000 to £15,000. It will be on viewed at the saleroom, by appointment, throughout February and up until auction.

The same art auction will also feature a collection of 50 signed edition Beryl Cook prints which have never been framed.

In November 2021, Plymouth Auction Rooms sold ‘Bride to Be’ by Beryl Cook for £9,548 including Buyers Premium

For further details visit plymouthauctions.co.uk.

Double-sided Beryl Cook painting: French Tango and The Expedition