The final Fine Sale of 2022 will take place at Cheffins on the 7th and 8th December, and we are still inviting entries for what is looking set to be a fantastic auction. Already consigned is a wonderful single owner collection of paintings by the much-celebrated Archibald Thorburn, a couple of which are thought to have been given to the current owner’s great aunt, directly from Thorburn himself. It’s thought they were exchanged for a pound of sugar, as they were reportedly neighbours, and are dated 1884, which his when Thorburn was only 24 years old.
Archibald Thorburn, Two studies of English partridge, signed and dated 'A. Thorburn/1886' - estimate £6,000 - £10,000 - available at The Fine Sale
Thorburn is arguably one of Britain’s greatest and most popular ornithological artists. By the age of 30, he had established a reputation as the best painter of birds in the market. He was widely praised for his remarkable technical skill at depicting detailed and accurate portrayals of both wild and domestic birds, whilst also capturing the changing seasons and weather. His watercolours appeal to a large audience of collectors and consistently achieve strong prices at auction, with grouse and partridge being amongst the most popular subjects. The current record price for an Archibald Thorburn work at auction is £252,000 for a large watercolour of a peacock, dated 1917, and which was sold in 2011.
Archibald Thorburn, Wild Fowl at Sea, signed and dated 'A.Thorburn/1930' - estimate £6,000 - £8,000 - available at The Fine Sale
At Cheffins we have a strong track record for selling Archibald Thorburn works, with a painting titled ‘Grouse on a Moor’ from the spectacular Landwade Collection selling for £29,000 against an estimate of £7,000 - £10,000 in October. Similarly, a smaller watercolour of a pheasant, from the same collection fetched £12,000 against an estimate of £2,000 - £3,000 and a study of goldfinches sold for £17,000.
Archibald Thorburn, An English partridge with chicks, signed 'A. Thorburn' - estimate £7,000 - £10,000 - available at The Fine Sale
There are a number of other paintings already consigned to the sale, including a number of Old Master paintings and an Ernest Shepard original illustration for the Wind in the Willows, with estimates across the section ranging from around £200 - £15,000. These will be offered alongside reams of quality antiques, furniture and collectibles.
The December Fine Sale at Cheffins is one of the most awaited in our auction calendar, and always presents a strong catalogue, packed with plenty of valuable items. Anyone with an item to sell should contact the Fine Art Department at 01223 213343 or email fine.art@cheffins.co.uk