By Adrian Kinton – pictured with paintings by Jack Cox
The antique world can be full of surprises, as we all know, but it can also produce moments of great amusement, not least when a recent description of a spelter figure appeared, prior to lotting, as Don Coyote.
The author of ‘Don Quixote’, Cervantes, would probably not have been amused but I still don’t know whether to write to Disney suggesting the Hansons’ version as a future film character!
As a keen ornithologist in my spare time, I always keep an eagle eye open for fine examples of bird paintings and several lots in our July Antiques & Collectors sale attracted my attention immediately – three of them oils by Jack Cox.
Born in Wells-next-the Sea in Norfolk, I discovered that Mr Cox spent his working life as a fisherman and was also actively involved with the town’s lifeboat service.
Jack’s early work was structural beginning with water colours progressing to oils and later to acrylics with added mixed media. Over the years his style became loose and he even used his thumb to achieve the desired effect.
Jack Cox retired from fishing at the age of 63 to concentrate on painting and died at the age of 93 on September 17, 2007.
The North Norfolk marshes – an area rich in wildfowl, waders and birds of prey – provided the backdrop for all three oils, adding a further dimension to their appeal.
When I first came across them, I noticed with astonishment that all three had been described as ‘mallards in flight’. Even to the untrained eye, it was clear that there were significant differences, not least the long beaks typical of wading birds in Lot 2075!
Changing the descriptions to brent geese, widgeon and oystercatchers certainly seemed to assist potential buyers as the three achieved a combined sum of £1,140 for our vendor.
A fitting footnote to the sale was provided by Hanson’s receptionist Joy Smith, who informed me her phone-bidder from Wells knew Jack Cox personally when in his 90s and wished to buy a piece of his artwork as a memento.
Sadly, he was outbid but what a fitting end to another charming little Hansons adventure.
