A river-inspired painting of Victorian London sailed past its estimate to excel in Hansons London’s April (30) auction.
The evocative painting of ‘Greenwich from the River’ by English landscape painter James Francis Danby (1816-1875) (lot 3) was contested to £4,000 from a £2,500 guide price.
The artwork was discovered by Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons London, at an antiques valuation event at The Avenue Club, Kew, Richmond upon Thames. Danby’s works appeared at the Royal Academy and Society of British Artists.
Chris Kirkham, associate director of Hansons London, said: “I was especially pleased to see the Danby artwork, an exceptional period painting capturing the atmosphere of London in the mid-1800s, sail high.”
Other items to impress included lot 224, a large Qing dynasty silk study. It commanding a price of £3,200, demonstrating the strength of the oriental market.
Results in the jewellery section were buoyant – with no signs of prices slowing down.
For example, lot 48, a dazzling aquamarine dress ring made, £1,050. It was consigned during Hansons London’s Walk-in-Wednesday valuation day, held weekly at the Normansfield Theatre in Teddington by senior jewellery valuer and gemmologist Chris Hewitt.
Fellow jewellery and silver expert Kate Bliss will be holding free valuations at the Normansfield Theatre on June 1, 10am-4pm, no appointment necessary.
Meanwhile a quirky collectors’ item to do well was lot 163, a vintage fruit machine. It hit the jackpot with bidders reaching £540.
Chris said: “These iconic machines continue to ignite nostalgia and can slot into any home. It was was discovered during a home visit in Romford.
“Another unusual find was lot 221, a rare tribal African headrest discovered at a valuation event at Kew’s Avenue Club. It sold for £400 and will be returning home to South Africa.”
Entries are invited for monthly sales at Hansons London, the next one being on May 28, deadline for entries May 20. To arrange a free valuation or home visit, email [email protected] or call 07469 353 077.
Kate Bliss will offer jewellery, silver and watch valuations at the Normansfield Theatre, 2A Langdon Park, Teddington, London TW11 9PS, on June 1, 10am-4pm.
