Under the Hammer

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.

That’s why I always urge people to gain an expert valuation. Even if you don’t think your item is worth much, you just never know. And the good news is Hansons’ experts are returning to The Coach & Four, 69/71 Alderley Road, Wilmslow, SK9 1PA. Free valuations will be available on September 16, October 21, November 18, 11am-2pm. After so long in lockdown it’s wonderful to be able to meet people again. And, who knows, perhaps Cheshire will reveal a find to match an auction success I’m about to reveal. A house move prompted a call to Hansons. The vendor was having a clear out. She’d inherited some pieces from her grandfather. Though born in Canada, he came to England to work in the Diplomatic Service, became a British citizen and travelled the world, adding to his art collection. She decided to part with four rather charming 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 and came across the artwork in a box. He had a hunch the paintings might be special. As the family had a Canadian connection and the subject matter resembled that part of the

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 him in touch with a gallery which had exhibited Lewis paintings. The news was good. The four artworks were by renowned Canadian folk artist Maud Kathleen Lewis. Jasper’s hunch – and detective work – had paid off. And his dedication sparked an international bidding battle. The paintings The four paintings by Maud Lewis went to auction in May 2021 with a modest estimate of £100-£200 each. They sold for a combined total of £36,000 and two of the paintings were purchased by Canadian buyers. The top-selling lot, 201, a late summer landscape with boat, sold for £10,000. Lot 200, a horse-drawn sleigh in winter, made £9,500. Lot 198, fisherman on a harbour wall, £9,400, and lot 199, a woodland scene featuring a lumberjack, £7,400. Entries are invited for all future general, Fine Art and specialist sales. To arrange a free valuation or home visit, email service@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk or all 01283 733988. Twitter: HansonsUK Facebook: HansonsAuctioneersUK Instagram: hansons_auctioneers

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