Paintings found in home sell for THOUSANDS thanks to valuer’s hunch It’s happened again. Four items boxed up in a home for decades have sold for £36,000 at auction – and the seller had no idea they were worth anything.
world, he took a punt with only the signed name ‘Lewis’ to go on. Could they be by renowned Canadian folk artist Maud Lewis? Jasper started digging for information. He contacted Sotheby’s in Ontario. They put That’s why I always him in touch with urge people to gain a gallery which had an expert valuation. exhibited Lewis Even if you don’t paintings. The news think your item is was good. The four worth much, you artworks were by just never know. renowned Canadian And the good news folk artist Maud is Hansons’ experts Kathleen Lewis. are returning to Jasper’s hunch – and The Coach & Four, detective work – had paid off. And his 69/71 Alderley Road, dedication sparked Wilmslow, SK9 1PA. an international Free valuations bidding battle. will be available The paintings on September went to auction in 16, October 21, The four paintings by Maud Lewis May 2021 with a November 18, modest estimate of £100-£200 each. They sold 11am-2pm. for a combined total of £36,000 and two of the After so long in lockdown it’s wonderful to be paintings were purchased by Canadian buyers. able to meet people again. And, who knows, The top-selling lot, 201, a late summer perhaps Cheshire will reveal a find to match an landscape with boat, sold for £10,000. Lot 200, auction success I’m about to reveal. a horse-drawn sleigh in winter, made £9,500. A house move prompted a call to Hansons. The Lot 198, fisherman on a harbour wall, £9,400, vendor was having a clear out. She’d inherited and lot 199, a woodland scene featuring a lumberjack, £7,400. some pieces from her grandfather. Though born in Canada, he came to England to work in the Entries are invited for all future general, Diplomatic Service, became a British citizen and Fine Art and specialist sales. To arrange travelled the world, adding to his art collection. a free valuation or home visit, email service@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk She decided to part with four rather charming or all 01283 733988. but almost childlike paintings. They’d been in the family since the 1950s. Valuer Jasper Marsh went along to carry out a free home visit valuation Twitter: HansonsUK and came across the artwork in a box. He had a hunch the paintings might be special. Facebook: HansonsAuctioneersUK As the family had a Canadian connection and Instagram: hansons_auctioneers the subject matter resembled that part of the
28 | SKBramhall & Woodford - July/August 2021
