Arts & Antiques

The fine art of valuation

THEREare occasions when a valuation of the contents of a property is desirable; at other times it is a necessity. The former includes valuations for insurance and general inventory, the latter, valuations for inheritance tax, capital gains

tax and matrimonial division.

Tony Pinn says: “Ensuring that my clients understand the basis of the valuation they require is the starting point. An insurance value is the sum required to replace an item in the normal retail market.

“In contrast, clients are often surprised by the difference between an insurance value and the lower figures adopted for a current market valuation; defined as the value an item would achieve on the open market on a given day. This is the basis of valuation stipulated by HMRC for inheritance tax purposes.”

With more than 20 years’ experience in this role and the third generation of a family business, Toby is a trustee of the Friends of Bristol Museums, Galleries and Archives and advises the museum service on fine and applied art acquisitions.

Supported by a team of specialist consultants, Toby is proud to be first choice for many of the region’s probate solicitors who insist on the quality assurance that instructing a RICS Regulated Chartered Arts & Antiques Surveyor provides.

Toby is always happy to chat through your requirements. 0117 2517251 www.tobypinn.co.uk

Turnip Prize winner

THISyear’s Turnip Prize, Wedmore’s spoof version of the Turner, has been awarded to Panda Mick, illustrating the Covid pandemic.

Organiser, Trevor Prideaux, said: “I am delighted with the lack of effort taken to create this work.”

Busy calendar of sales planned at the Mendip Auction Rooms

THEteam at the Mendip Auction Rooms have released their calendar of sales for 2022 and a number of new, exciting changes have been made.

The previously regular Victorian and Later Effects sales have now become Interiors & Collectables Sales with the monthly sales of Fine Art and Antiques continuing.

There will be sales with specialist sections in Militaria, Silver, Jewellery and Modern Design. The twice-yearly popular sales of Sporting items, Fine Wines and Spirits are continuing.

In response to requests from clients, the team are introducing sales of Classic Cars, Motorcycles and Automobilia with the first sale scheduled for April 30th.

Tom Killen said: “We are fortunate to have expertise within our team to be able to provide advice and conduct these sales. The auction rooms provide a great venue where vehicles can be displayed properly.

“Neil, our dedicated photographer, has a huge level of experience in photographing cars and can’t wait for the first sale. If anyone is interested in entering cars or motorcycles in this sale, please do get in touch.”

Are you looking to sell items in our sales? Valuations can be undertaken on a drop-in basis at the auction rooms between 10am and 3pm each weekday and Killens have professional valuers and experts on hand to advise.

Alternatively, valuers are able to conduct free home visits.

Contact the team at Killens on 01749 840770 or email enquiries@mendipauctionrooms.co.uk for further assistance

Robert’s legacy

Andrew "Bill" Bailey and churchwarden Andrew Hillman

THEmemory and talent of the late Robert Bailey, who was Pensford-born and bred, lives on in the vast collection of his photos, artefacts and other Pensford related material, as well as his paintings, some of which now adorn the walls of many Pensford residents.

People were able to acquire these by visiting the Christmas market held at All Saints church, where members of Pensford Local History Group had a very successful stall.

From over 150 paintings and drawings, donated by Robert’s son Andrew and his family, they sold nearly 50 percent raising £1,091 for All Saints’ Church and the Pensford Local History Group.

The history group is also making good progress in archiving the Robert Bailey Pensford collection of photos, slides, cinefilm and artefacts.

Andrew, said: “Dad had always had a love of Pensford and of its characters.”

History group member, Lyndsay Cooper, said: “The fact that many of Robert’s works of art now grace so many homes in Pensford and further afield is a wonderful testament to Robert and thanks go to everyone who purchased from us."

An updated catalogue can be found at URL http://www.publow-with-pensford-pc.gov.uk/.../bailey...

Details: pensfordhistorygroup@gmail.com

This is me –four stories on film

Robin and his illustrations

A FROME-based charity has released four new films exploring the personal stories of people with learning disabilities.

The films, which were produced with support from OpenStoryTellers and funding from Somerset County Council, celebrate the lives of four people - Clemma, Katie, Robin and Joe - who have a learning disability and live in Somerset.

All four films, which explore themes of disability, equality, and diversity, were produced in collaboration with the interview subjects, who were involved in film making, production, and creative illustration and animation.

Robin Meader, who illustrated three of the films, said: “I joined OpenStoryTellers in 2004 and became a self-employed artist in 2010. Last year I helped to launch Pigeon Productions because I love making art and films. I have learning difficulties and want people to understand that we have our own lives, our own memories and friendships in the outside world.

“We don’t just sit at home, we achieve lots of amazing things! I want to share stories about our world and the rights of people with learning disabilities and autism.”

Alex MacNeil, director at OpenStoryTellers said: “We are thrilled to release these films on behalf Clemma, Katie, Robin and Joe. They showcase the phenomenal creativity of people with learning disabilities and power of storytelling for all of us.

“These stories are all unique to each person who tells them, reflecting what matters them, what it’s like to be them and what they each wanted to share with the wider world. Each person had artistic control over the process and the opportunity to collaborate with disabled and non-disabled artists.

“Pigeon Productions is a new wing of our charity and made these films. It is made up of artists, illustrators, storytellers, poets and musicians. We are proud to say that this project also provided paid employment for five people with a learning disability.

“We hope these film will encourage other people to explore their own personal stories. The creative arts are vital and stories are what make us human.”

Fine art sale beats expectations

CLEVEDON Salerooms held their Winter Specialist Fine Art Sale on Thursday, November 25th. Lively bidding was in evidence throughout the day with consistently strong prices, a sale total well over expectations, and an 89 percent selling rate from 600 lots on offer, bolstered by significant consignments from properties in Bristol, North Somerset and the Mendips.

With Christmas just around the corner, seasonal sparkle was much in evidence in the jewellery section which opened proceedings. Leading the pack was a stunning Edwardian sapphire and diamond necklace. Consigned by a Bristol vendor, it came with an equally sparkling provenance, having remained in the family for whom it was originally made.

Clevedon Salerooms’ valuer Chris Yeo made the trip to London to have the piece analysed by a gemologist, so that bidders had the added assurance of a recent laboratory test certificate which confirmed that the outstanding clarity of its sapphires was wholly natural. Such assurances served it well on the day, and after some spirited bidding the hammer finally dropped at an impressive £14,000.

The same price was also the double estimate result for a superb oil of sunflowers by Bristol favourite Mary Fedden, purchased directly from the artist herself and consigned from a Clifton townhouse, along with the highest-selling lot of the day, Deux roses, a small oil on canvas by renowned French Impressionist Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919).

It was last sold over 20 years ago in London and had the accompanying confirmation from the Wildenstein Institute verifying it as a genuine Renoir. The source of much pre-sale excitement, it sold to a collector in the room for £38,000.

With 2022 on the horizon, Clevedon Salerooms are gearing up for an exciting

With CHRIS YEO

year of Fine Art and Interiors auctions, as well as increasing their regular free valuation days at the saleroom, which will run every Monday (except Bank Holidays), together with specialist jewellery days remaining every third Tuesday and also an expanded number of outside valuation events in Bristol and in Wells, where the auctioneers will have an increased presence.

Mary Fedden RA (1915-2012) - Oil on canvas – “Sunflowers”

Please visit their website www.clevedonsalerooms.com for more details