Art in all its forms comes through our doors at Hansons and inevitably I discover paintings I love.
Take these wonderful seascapes of sailing ships. Paintings like these have sold for thousands of pounds at famous auction houses like Sotheby’s and Christie’s but did you know they are the work of a Derby man?
They are by James Brereton. Working from his studio in Uttoxeter New Road, he captures the essence of the sea – something many of us from these parts crave for due to our distance from it. James, who I’m proud to call a family friend, includes himself in that number.
He has been a commercially successful artist for decades but is need of a helping hand because ill health has taken its toll on the 64-year-old.
Three years ago, he suffered a stroke while having a double knee operation then, six months later, he dislocated his right (painting) arm in a bathroom fall.
He couldn’t paint for a while and is still not out of the woods. But he’s got back to the easel and, after a lengthy gap, is set to hold his first exhibition since ill health sank him.
We’re proud to play host to the relaunch. It’s the least we can do to support a talented Derby artist. On Monday, December 10, from 5.30-7pm, a private viewing and sale of works by James Brereton will be held at Hansons in Etwall. It will be followed by a public viewing on Tuesday, December 11, 9am-5pm.
Discover nine new paintings created by James and learn more about a man who has helped to put Derby on the artistic map. The December 10 event will include a talk by the artist.
Born at Derby Hospital in 1954, James went to various schools, notably Noel Baker. In 1968, he attended the Joseph Wright School of Art. He claims art is the only thing he’s good at.
When it came to leaving school, James’ parents urged him to get a trade. He took an apprenticeship at the Gas Board, hated the job but stuck it for nine years.
At the same time, he forged on with his art, capturing all manner of subjects in his preferred oils. By 1979 he was earning enough money to leave the day job.
He exhibited at galleries in and around Derby and discovered the work of renowned maritime artists Montague Dawson and Thomas Somerscales.
James painted a sailing ship and it sold straight away. He knew he was on to something. By 1982 he’d lost count of the number of paintings he’d sold – sailing past the 500 mark.
He’s exhibited at the Royal Society of Marine Artists in London, is featured in books about maritime artists and his pictures can be found in private collections across the world. Six years ago, one of his paintings, a view of the seashore, sold for more than £7,000 at Sotheby’s.
To join the private viewing of James’ work on December 10 at Hansons, Heage Lane, Etwall, please email [email protected]. If you’re considering selling a painting, please email fine art expert Adrian Rathbone: [email protected] or pop down to our free valuations sessions – Wednesdays, 5-7pm, Fridays, 10am-4pm, and Saturdays, 9am-noon.
