A Nottinghamshire planning engineer’s eye for detail created a lifetime collection of original art work now set for auction.
Some 26 oil paintings by the late Frank Wright (1928-2016) are included in Hansons Auctioneers’ January 12 Antiques and Collectors sale at Bishton Hall, Staffs. They feature a mixture of peaceful countryside views, agricultural scenes, horses, farming animals, woodlands, meandering rivers and a life study.
Frank was born in Bulwell and went on to spend most of his life in Mansfield. He spent the early part of his life working as a mining surveyor and planning engineer. However, his creative skills always shone brightly, according to Hansons’ valuer Faye Dodsley, who has catalogued his collection for auction.
She said: “Frank’s keen eye for detail enhanced his artistic skills enabling him to produce a multitude of wonderful drawings and oil paintings over the course of many years. He took inspiration from the countryside on his doorstep and created a broad range of compositions featuring rural scenes in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire.
“According to his beloved wife, Kathleen, his paintings touched many hearts as they highlighted the beauty of rivers and dales many people were familiar with.
“At the age of 50 Frank purchased his own art gallery and framing business and in 1988, due to the success of his work, he became a full-time artist. He received high acclaim. Many of his paintings are held in private collections around the world.
“Sadly, Frank passed away at the age of 88 in 2016 and Kathleen has finally decided to part with her private collection of her husband’s work ahead of a house move. She thinks it’s a shame to have pieces he loved sitting in his studio when people could be enjoying and cherishing them in their homes.
“There are a number of agricultural compositions and landscapes which would look superb in any setting. Kathleen’s favourite paintings feature ducks and horses.”
Frank Wright’s paintings will be offered in Hansons’ Bishton Hall Antiques & Collectors Auction on January 12. Catalogue: www.hansonslive.co.uk or www.the-saleroom.com. To find out more, email [email protected].
