Hansons enjoyed an exciting auction day earlier in the month. Auctioneer Charles Hanson talks us through the most intriguing items to pass under his hammer
I always look forward to our Hansons London auction days at the Normansfield Theatre because, from day one, we’ve enjoyed a wonderfully warm welcome.
People pack into the saleroom to enjoy the drama and excitement of the day, browse, buy or take advantage of free valuations prior to the sale getting under way.
I am never happier than when I am on the rostrum, gavel in hand, with a large audience before me to help build the excitement.
Hansons London’s first auction was held at the atmospheric venue in February and it’s gone from strength to strength.
On July 7 we held our latest sale and an eclectic mix of items found in the London area attracted bidders from all over the world, the UK and, of course, people keen to buy in the salesroom itself.
Haunting watercolour paintings of London more than a century ago captured the interest of some. Three atmospheric works of art showed Tower Bridge, boats on the Thames below London Bridge and Westminster in the late 1800s.
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Watercolour by Frederick E. J. Goff
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Watercolour by Frederick E. J. Goff
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Watercolour by Frederick E. J. Goff
They were by Frederick E. J. Goff, a London topographical painter who painted mainly in watercolour and lived from 1855 to 1931.
He exhibited at the Royal Academy, the New Watercolour Society, the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour and the Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts and the paintings in the sale were on public display between 1891 and 1900.
Goff is best known for his small watercolour views of London which capture the mood of the late Victorian city.
With magnifying glass in hand, he painted some of London’s most iconic views including colourful Thames life with its eclectic mix of boats and impressive architectural landmarks. The three paintings (Lot 75) sold for £1,200 from an estimate of £300-£500.
Other star lots in Hansons London July auction at the Normansfield Theatre, Teddington, included:
Lot 134: A Tibetan carved and pierced ivory panel of Mahakala, possibly 15th century. The teardrop-shaped panel had at its centre a three-eyed dwarfish god holding the 'Gandhi of Emanation' and standing on a corpse, within a surround of 19 panels depicting Tibetan characters. The reverse bore the engraved mark of Chengua (1465-1487). Sold for £1,700 from a low estimate of £500.
Lot 174: A full size French Caussin violin with the label ‘Copie de Antonius Stradivarious Cremon en fis Facieat anno 1721’ plus German bow branded Grimm, in a faux crocodile skin case. This made £1,100 from an estimate of £200-£400.
Lot 280: A Clarice Cliff for Newport Pottery May Avenue beehive honey pot, with Bizarre marks, sold for £1,500.
Lot 288: Clarice Cliff for Newport Pottery Red Carpet beehive honey pot, with Bizarre marks, sold for £2,200.
Lot 352: Set of four 19th century Meissen four seasons figures, circa 1860, sold for £1,000.
Hansons London will hold its next auction at the Normansfield Theatre on September 8-9, starting 11am each day. Viewing at the theatre is available on September 7, 7pm-9pm; September 8, 8.30-11am September 9, 9-11am. Closing date for entries 18 August. To find out more, visit www.hansonslondon.co.uk, email enquiries@hansonslondon.co.uk or call 020 8979 7954.
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