A large regional collection of unusual coins were amongst the highest selling lots at Cockermouth auction house Mitchells which led to one of its best sale overalls in recent years. The most valuable lot was a charcoal on paper illustration by Sheila Fell (1931-1979) which cost ₤ 10,400 versus a quote of ₤ 1,000- ₤ 2,000. Entitled Christmas 1979 and measuring 29x39cm, the art work was formerly owned by the Sharrow Bay Country Home Hotel on Ullswater and had formerly been shown at Abbot Hall Art Gallery, Kendal, in 1981 and 1989.
Also for sale were 60 art works by Percy Kelly (1918-1993) from the personal collection of Joan David, his close friend and correspondent during the last years of his life.
This auction was the first time the artworks had actually been displayed in public and made available for sale on the free market.
The collection sold for ₤ 59,000 with the most important artworks being detailed letters entitled West Cumberland Hamlet which sold for ₤ 3,000 while Brampton Cumberland dated 1984 sold for ₤ 2,900. A portrait titled Lady in Purple, a less normal subject for Kelly, made ₤ 2,100.
A big single owner collection of more than 40 gold guineas and half guineas from west Cumbria made more than ₤ 51,000. Such was the rarity and outstanding condition of a number of the coins, competition was fierce in between collectors both in the saleroom and online resulting in lots of lots accomplishing prices well in excess of their quotes. The highest selling coin was a George II guinea dated 1732 which made ₤ 2,350 versus an estimate of just ₤ 500- ₤ 600.
Other sale highlights included an 18ct white gold diamond locket which cost ₤ 7,800. The most valuable lots amongst the furniture were a Waring and Gillows extending mahogany dining table which cost ₤ 4,100 and a pair of Regency rosewood brass installed 3 tier whatnot stands which made ₤ 3,100.
A George III mahogany longcase clock by Nicholson of Whitehaven made ₤ 2,000 and a great 19th century marine chronometer by Graham and Parkes achieved ₤ 2,100.
The next three-day antiques and fine art sale will be held from June 14-16 with a closing date for entries of May 16.
For free valuations and to consign items for sale, contact James Forster or Mark Wise on 01900 827800.
Jon is a regular contributor to several outdoor living and lifestyle news publications, concentrating on The Lake District. Now living in Glenridding, Jon studied journalism at Edinburgh University.
