A striking portrait by the greatest Formula One artist in the world is set for auction – and motor sport fans will be racing to bid.
The bold, vibrant artwork depicts British F1 legend Sir Stirling Moss. It’s the work of Paul Oz, an artist renowned for capturing the character of sports stars, particularly in motor sport.
In the space of a decade Oz rose to become one of Britain’s most collected artists and counts celebrities among his fans. His collector base spans the globe and includes the likes of former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and business guru Theo Paphitis.
The Oz original is destined to race to glory because they rarely come to market. Plus this one is extra special because it’s signed by Moss.
Sir Stirling Moss OBE (1929-2020) won 212 of the 529 races he entered across different motorsports. He has been described as ‘the greatest driver never to win the F1 World Championship’. In a seven-year span between 1955 and 1961 he finished in second place four times and in third place three times.
This portrait is likely to appeal to F1 enthusiasts as an investment piece. It enters Hansons’ May 17 Sports Sale with a guide price of £12,000-£15,000.
Oz is best known for travelling the world live painting with F1. He has painted for Scuderia Ferrari VIPs in Monaco, Mercedes AMG Petronas in Barcelona, and Jenson Button, including a live painting for McLaren in Abu Dhabi at his final race to commemorate his career. Paul has also created work for Lewis Hamilton, Sir Jackie Stewart, Pirelli, and the families of Ayrton Senna and James Hunt.
Other notable commissions include Muhammad Ali’s 70th birthday AND Star Trek’s 50th anniversary. He’s also done work for Chelsea FC to commemorate their 2017 title success and Lamborghini.
Consequently, the Moss portrait has been turning heads in the saleroom. Oz paints portraits but not as we know it. He piles on the paint to create rich, deep textures with huge visual impact. He aims to create a sense of explosive energy, movement and expression with a 3D effect. Big, bold, powerful paintings that stops you in your tracks.
The painting is in perfect condition, in its original frame as prepared by Oz when purchased directly from him. The original purchase invoice is included in the lot together with a sealed copy of Motor Sport Magazine which featured the painting in its October 2011 edition.
It will draw eyes – and bidders – to Hansons’ May 17 Football in Focus and Sporting Memorabilia Auction and entries are invited until April 26. Sports memorabilia is in vogue and, thanks to our Derbyshire headquarters, Derby County memorabilia sells well with us.
For example, in our last sports sale four black seats from The Baseball Ground, the Rams’ former home, achieved £170 from a guide of £50. A hammer price of £170 was also achieved by a collection of assorted Derby County football memorabilia including used season tickets, programmes, scarves, mugs, and more.
This eclectic items on offer could crop up in many a Rams fan’s home but people often think they are worthless or even throw them away. It sold for three times its £40-£60 guide price.
Even old The Ram football programmes can be turned into money. A collection of The Ram newspapers, 1971-72 and 1972-73 in official Derby County binders, together with loose newspapers, Derby County teamsheets and programmes soared to £120 from a £50-£80 guide.
Then there was the silver pocket watch and football medal, engraved, ‘Derby County Medal Competition 1895-6’. It sold for £110. Even an unboxed Royal Crown Derby DCFC Ram achieved £50.
With sports memorabilia, the key is thing to remember is that devoted fans consider buying everything and anything connected to their team. Add in some historial significance and the price can go even higher.
For example, a 1971 Aston Villa tracksuit top and bottoms, worn by Villa players before the 1971 League Cup Final against Tottenham Hotspur, made £1,000 – 10 times it £100 low estimate.
It bore a stitched Aston Villa badge with ‘Wembley 1971’ underneath. The tracksuit was given to the vendor by their cousin, Ron Wylie, who in 1971 was Aston Villa’s assistant manager.
However, star lot in Hansons’ last sport sale should, perhaps, go to a piece of cricket memorabilia. An impressive limited-edition bronze figure of West Indies cricket legend Viv Richards, cast by Neale Andrew, achieved £3,300. Only two were made, one for former English first-class cricketer Duncan Fearnley, the other for Richards. They were made by the son of former England wicket-keeper, Keith Andrew and we were privileged to help it bat to glory.
To book a sports memorabilia valuation contact Head of Sport David Wilson-Turner: [email protected]. To book any type of valuation at Hansons, Heage Lanke Etwall, Monday to Saturday, email [email protected] or call 01283 733988.
