October Two day Auction highlights

This was one of the largest sales of the year so far with over 1000 lots on offer, and very well attended on the viewing days and on both sale days. Day one was devoted to Jewellery & Silver and saw most lots selling well and over estimates. Day two was a mixture of Art & Antiques, and again saw strong bidding in all categories, with the highlight being the rare and important example of Modern British Art by Ivon Hitchens (1893 - 1979) selling for £36,000.

Here are the team's personal highlights from the sale... First up, Nick.

Lot 791: Sold for £600 hammer

"I really loved this little painting, such a glorious work of art beautifully painted by an unknown hand, but probably Flemish, painted in fine detail and muted tones in the baroque style, and quite possibly as early as the 17th century, it depicted a classic biblical scene 'The Annunciation' and it just glowed!"

Lot 755: Sold for £260 hammer

"This little collection really was history in your hands, over 2000 years old, and to think that for a few hundred pounds you can own something that was once owned and handled by people from the ancient Egyptian civilisation is incredible, if only these objects could talk!"

Here are Lucy's highlights.

Lot 893: Sold for £36,000 hammer

"There is nothing more exciting than discovering an important artwork during a valuation. I've always enjoyed Ivon Hitchens' work having seen a number of his paintings at Pallant House Gallery as a young student many years ago. Hitchens connection to the Sussex landscape makes it feel particularly fitting to be selling one of his works here in Chichester."

Lot 922: Sold for £6,000 hammer

"Born in Hampstead in 1934, Rachel was one of triplets from the relationship of artists Ben Nicholson and Barbara Hepworth. Undoubtedly influenced by Nicholson, Rachel at first began to paint still life compositions, developing over the years into landscapes ranging from Cumbria, Derbyshire and Cornwall. Her work continues to attract collectors and achieve strong prices at auction."

And finally Tom's highlights.

Lot 184: Sold for £340 hammer

"This came from a fantastic collection of silver chatelaines, which were used for carrying personal or household tools by 'ladies of the chateau'. As someone with a keen interest in folklore from around the world, this wonderful depiction of the apocryphal pagan figure of the 'Green Man' caught my eye immediately."

Lot 902: Sold for £35 hammer

"It is always wonderful to be able to showcase some local artistry, and these were no exception. Naylor exhibits her fascinating technique of machine embroidery to create contoured impressions of landscapes, which are colourful, tactile and most importantly, unique."

We are now taking consignments for our  Christmas Collector's Auction on 10th & 11th December, which will include special collections of Sports Memorabilia, Wines & Spirits, Luxury Goods, Musical Instruments, Fine Art, as well as the usual exciting mixture of collectables, furniture, and quirky unique objects. If you have anything you would like valued for sale at auction, please get in touch. Call 01243 532223, email auction@henryadamsfineart.co.uk or visit our Valuations page.