Results tagged “valuation” from Southport Visiter - Look Back

LOOKBACK reader Linda Pye submitted this lovely picture.
She said: "This is a charcoal drawing of my grandmother, Grace Lillian McQueen, drawn in 1886 when she was 12 years old, in its original frame.
"The artist's signature appears to be Robert Phininster.
"I know nothing about him other than the fact that many artists of the period had models sit for them."

Richard Hopkinson, Head of Paintings at Bonhams, Northern Region cast his eye over it - this is verdict.
"Your drawing looks to be a good quality example of a type of portraiture that was very popular in later 19th century Britain.
Your reading of the signature suggests that the artist is Robert Phininster - I can find no record of this painter listed as exhibiting pictures.
The records of artists working in this country at this period are very good.
This means that when a British artist of the period is not listed, he or she is viewed as quite a minor figure.
Your charcoal and pencil drawing looks very attractive and the draftsmanship is good.
This suggests that the artist was trained, either as an apprentice to another painter, or, more likely at one of the many art schools, both public and private, that were in existence by the 1880s.
The style and type of drawing is very much in keeping with those taught at art schools in this period.
The feeling of your drawing is closer to a commissioned portrait, rather than an artist using a model to create a picture.
Clearly, it would have been much quicker and cheaper to ask for a charcoal sketch than a portrait in oils, and so these were done in quite large numbers, although from the 1870s most portraits were photographs, which was cheaper still, and had a great novelty attraction.
Sadly, these charcoal studies are not really in fashion on the antique market at present, and so we find that comparable examples often sell for under £150.
This drawing has the advantage of a very attractive young sitter, which really enhances its appeal.
The condition looks good, and the frame is probably the original oak one.
In spite of these plus points, I would estimate this one to sell for between £50-100, which just underlines that a good, antique picture can be purchased for a very affordable sum, particularly when an artist in not known or collected."

MEET Antony Bennett, the man who can tell you what your family silver is worth.
The Bonhams regional director will be joining LookBack for a new valuation feature in which we invite readers to submit their antiques and to find out more about them.
The fine art specialist is based in Chester, but works right across the North West with Bonhams branches to value items.

Antony said: "It's really good for everyone to know what they've got. Many people have things that are more exciting than they thought.
"That might not always be financial, but historical.
"It can also cut the other way, you think you've got a really valuable item, and in fact you haven't."
Despite the economic downturn, the auction business is performing well.
Antony said: "The industry is strong, many people in different businesses are having a tough time, but we're not complacent about it.
"Gold prices have risen, and when gold prices rise, silver prices rise. The market for silver is particularly strong and so is gold too.
"The British pound exchange rate with the Euro and the American currencies has made it more favourable American and European people to buy British antiques."
Antony has been in the trade since his first job in an antiques shop in the Midlands, aged 14.
"As a person who has been in the business a long time, it's fascinating, people are selling and buying for economic reasons," he said.