Donated Painting Causes Bidding Frenzy. A chance discovery in a Wiltshire charity shop has turned into an auction-room success story. It comes after a striking painting of a Cornish scene sold for £3,900. Thus far exceeding expectations and delivering a windfall for the RSPCA.
The painting, a donation ot the RSPCA shop on Royal Wootton Bassett’s high street, features an atmospheric view of Mousehole harbour by British artist George Hammond Steel. A member of the shop staff recognised it as quality work and brought to auctioneer and valuer Gordon Brockman shortly before Christmas. Its true significance soon became clear.
In the first instance it got given a conservative estimate of £600 to £800. The painting became one of the stand-out lots in RWB Auctions’ antiques and interiors sale on January 14. Auction day saw fierce competition. Determined bidders online and on the telephone competed to drive the hammer price up to £3,900. A private collector in Nottinghamshire bought the painting.
Kelly Ohrland, senior auction administrator at RWB Auctions, said: ‘This is exactly the kind of result we love to see. We work at close quarters with charity shops and local organisations to help them realise the full value of special items. And this painting is a perfect example of what can happen when the right piece meets the right audience. The level of competition on the day was thrilling.’
The painting
Rendered in oils, the painting depicts Mousehole at low tide. There’s boats resting in the harbour and distinctive cottages rising above the quay. Signed ‘HAMMOND STEEL’ in the lower right-hand corner, the work captures the brooding atmosphere and texture for which the artist is well known. Many of the buildings shown remain recognisable to visitors to the Cornish fishing village today.
Gordon Brockman, who first assessed the painting, said: ‘From the moment I saw it, it was clear this was a strong and confident work by George Hammond Steel. While estimates must always be realistic, it’s so satisfying to see collectors respond and to know the proceeds are going to such a good cause.’
George Hammond Steel (1900–1960) was a respected British painter and stained-glass designer, celebrated for his impasto views of Cornish towns and Derbyshire landscapes. He trained at the Sheffield School of Art before studying in Birmingham and London. He went on to exhibit at major institutions including the Royal Academy, Leicester Galleries, the Glasgow Institute and the Paris Salon. Public collections across the UK hold his work.
The sale highlights the growing role auction houses can play in maximising returns for charities. In particular with donations of rare or unusual items.
RWB Auctions offers no-fee consignment for registered charities and provides free advice to charity shop managers and volunteers seeking valuations across a wide range of categories.
To get in touch visit https://rwbauctions.com/
All of which goes to show that there are treasures out there. You might just have some cash in the attic!
