Hermes Kelly Bag sells for £1100 at McTear's

It was no surprise that this C.1930's Hermes "Kelly" black leather hand bag was the star of our Christmas auction. Creating much interest from both present and remote bidders, this timeless piece sold for £1100. Watch McTear's Magda Ketterer auctioning this special lot at our Christmas Jewellery, Pictures and Objects d'Art evening last night.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNDpjTqQL2U 

Another Successful Evening at McTear's

Our Christmas Jewellery, Pictures and Objets d'Art evening on Wednesday 21st December added another successful event to our already long list of achievements this year. Many people took the opportunity to get last minute presents and browse over 500 lots of contemporary and period jewellery, pictures, rare and collectible whisky and objets d'art.

Among the most popular items was this carved Jade pendant which although estimated between £100 - £150, sold for £750.

It was definitely a good night for jewellery as this Edwardian aquamarine and seed pearl set pendant - estimated at £120-£150 - reached a hammer price of £260.

A fantastic evening was had by all and it was the perfect close to our 2011 auctions. We're closing for the Christmas & New Year holidays from 5pm today (Thursday 22nd December) and the auction galleries re-open on Wednesday 4 January.

The first auction of 2012 is Interiors on Friday 13 January.

The staff & directors of McTear’s wish all our clients a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

http://www.mctears.co.uk/

Hermes at McTear's

Known for their exquisite leather goods - most notably their handbags - Hermes has become a fashion staple in many wardrobes around the world. With a whole host of celebrity fans, it's no wonder that these timeless bags can sell for up to £129,865

Given its history, we think this beautiful C.1930's Hermes "Kelly" black leather hand bag in our Christmas Jewellery, Pictures and Objects d'Art auction is a fabulous find. Estimated between £200 and £300, this vintage bag comes complete with padlock and two keys numbered 021.

Each handbag takes around three months to make and the waiting lists have been known to span years, luckily for you, you only have to wait until our auction on Wednesday 21st December.

Find Out More

January Auction Dates

McTear's are kicking off the New Year with style. We've got an amazing auction line up for January and entries are welcome for all categories up until 22nd December.


The schedule for January is:

17th – The British and Continental Art Evening, 6pm
18th – Rare & Collectable Whisky, Wine & Port, 10.30am
18th – Jewellery Evening, 6pm 
19th – British & Continental Ceramics & Glass, 10.30am
19th – Vintage Clocks & Watches, 10.30am
19th – Silver & Objets de Vertu, 10.30am
19th – Furniture & Works of Art Evening, 6pm

http://www.mctears.co.uk/news/view.aspx?id=2a1672f1-aeb8-4946-805a-fbb44a9d7716

Victorian Perfume Bottle

Add some vintage charm to any scent with this beautiful late Victorian Silver-mounted glass perfume bottle. Lot 1506 in our Asian Works of Art and British and Continental Ceramics, Glass and Silver auction, this piece is estimated at £80-£120. 

http://www.mctears.co.uk/

Les fleurs enchantées..

In the sale of the 7th December, McTear’s are delighted to offer this Victorian hand painted brooch.

Made by Swiss watchmakers and jewellers Capt and Boyer in the late nineteenth century, the brooch is painted to depict a character from the opera La Guirlande ou Les Fleurs enchantées.

The brooch was painted by G. Lamunian and is signed to the right of the image. It is also signed to the reverse ‘Capt and Boyer’ and is in its original fitted case.

Such pieces are rare to the market and this brooch represents a wonderful opportunity for those collectors of jewellery and Victorian art to add significantly to their collection.

http://www.mctears.co.uk/

"OOR WULLIE, YOUR WULLIE, A CHILLY WULLIE"

Lot 5 in our Contemporary Art Sale is a timeless oil on canvas by Graham McKean titled "OOR WULLIE, YOUR WULLIE, A CHILLY WULLIE" and is estimated to sell for between £2000 & £3000. McKean is a popular artist at McTear's and in May 2011 we sold his oil on canvas of Oor Wullie on holiday which according to D.C. Thomson (the publishers of the Sunday Post), was the very first time he’s ever been depicted in a fine art painting. 

The piece was estimated at between £2500 and £3500 but created such a buzz that it was sold on the day for £4800.

"OOR WULLIE, YOUR WULLIE, A CHILLY WULLIE"

Joan Eardley at McTear's

We have four pieces by Scottish artist Joan Eardley in our Contemporary Art auction on 6th December at 6pm. 

Eardley began her artistic career studying at Goldsmith’s and the GSA. Under the guidance of Hugh Adam Crawford, Eardley began to shape her painting practice. After spending time in Hospitalfield with James Cowie, Eardley returned to the GSA to continue post-Diploma studies. In 1948, Eardley travelled through France and Italy, the works inspired and produced during this trip were exhibited at her first solo exhibition at the GSA in 1949. 

Eardley found inspiration in her surroundings: painting haunting portraits and nostalgic landscapes using a unique range of colours and strong compositional lines, both signature trademarks of Eardley’s style.

http://www.mctears.co.uk/auctions/browse.aspx?id=9cccc97f-8a91-4639-96fc-b95f81f4e38d

Win £50 to spend at an Auction of your choice

Let us know which Scottish region is your favourite when it comes to whisky and you could win £50 of vouchers for any McTear's auction between 6 & 8th December. Our Contemporary Art Evening is on 6th, with Rare and Collectable Whisky and Fine Jewellery, Watches and Coins on the 7th and rounding the auctions up is British and Contiental Ceramics, Glass and Silver as well as  Furniture, Clocks, Works of art and Collectibles on Wednesday 8th December.

The £50 vouchers can also be used remotely so don't worry if you can't make it to any of the auctions. Good Luck!

http://www.mctears.co.uk/

http://www.facebook.com/questions/245633078830697/?qa_ref=ssp

McTear's - It's all about audience

McTear's dedicated pictures auctions are continually generating top prices for Scottish paintings of fantastic quality. We have been selling paintings since 1842 and sell more Scottish paintings than any other auction house, gallery or institution. The internet has expanded our market to a global scale and we now generate "London" hammer prices. The cut off date for entries for this sale is 17th November.

http://hosted-p0.vresp.com/485355/fdb3faccea/ARCHIVE

http://www.mctears.co.uk/

McTear's November Auctions

Our November auctions began with our Fine and Contemporary sale on Tuesday 1st. Artist James Stuart Park was a prominent feature, with his work being highly sought after among both private collectors and art dealers. It was two of his paintings in particular that created a bidding frenzy and both works soared above estimate, with the hammer falling at £3600 and £2200.

The unsurprising star of our Rare & Collectable Whisky Auction was the 26 Malts which sold for £2300.


Wednesday evening saw the Jewellery Auction, where diamonds stole the show. Bracelets, pendants and rings twinkled as the hammer came down above estimate on several lots.

The British & Continental Ceramics, Silver & Glass Auction got Thursday underway and interest in these items from mainland China, Hong Kong and throughout Europe was exceptional. This circular bowl with insect and flower motifs sold for £1000.

Rounding up the November Auctions was the Furniture, Works of Art, Collectables, Pictures & Clocks sale on Thursday 3rd.Again, major interest surrounded Chinese items such as this hardwood table with key frieze decoration which sold for £1600.

http://www.mctears.co.uk/ 

McTear's 26 Malts

What happens when you throw 26 writers together with 26 designers and give them carte blanche to create identities for 26 malt whiskies? You get a collection of malts which sell for £2,300. With only 20 complete sets left, the popularity of this lot was not surprising http://www.mctears.co.uk/auctions/lot.aspx?id=31619249-9eab-4099-804d-ae4e52ece32c&page=2&referrer=browse

McTear's Contemporary Art Evening

Join us for our Contemporary Art Evening on Tuesday 6th December at 6PM. We've got 400 lots of contemporary art, with most of Scotland's top selling artists represented. Our online catalogue will be available soon from http://www.mctears.co.uk/auctions/browse.aspx?id=9cccc97f-8a91-4639-96fc-b95f81f4e38d

The auction viewing times will be from 9am to 7pm on Monday, 05 December 2011 and from 9am on Tuesday, 06 December 2011. Contact christina@mctears.co.uk or victoria@mctears.co.uk if you would like specialist advice regarding this auction.

Rare & Collectable Whisky Auction

McTear's Rare and Collectable whisky auction will take place on 2nd November at 10.30 am. Featuring an eclectic mix of fine spirits, ranging from a Strathisla 35 year old Single Highland Malt Whisky to Lamb's Special Reserve Rum, there is sure to be something for everyone amongst our 500 lots.

http://www.mctears.co.uk/auctions/browse.aspx?id=0c5a6b14-f82b-474d-80e3-1869b3d6079a

McTear's Jewellery Evening

Join us on Wednesday 2nd November at 6pm for our Fine Jewellery, Watches and Coins auction. Displaying around 350 lots, we have pieces including a diamond solitaire ring featuring a marquise cut stone, an eighteen carat gold orchid brooch and earrings set as well as a fine cultured pearl necklace set with two links of cabochon sapphires surrounded by diamonds and set in eighteen carat gold.

http://www.mctears.co.uk/auctions/browse.aspx?id=2084f043-7d98-4bc7-8170-1946ad89578f 

Christmas Skating in George Square

Our Fine and Contemporary Art sale on 1st November has pieces by James Stuart Park, Sir James Lawton Wingate as well as this lovely watercolour by Bryan Evans titled Christmas Skating in George Square. Could be the perfect Christmas present! Or is it too early to be thinking of that?!

http://www.mctears.co.uk/auctions/lot.aspx?id=bb1858a8-8638-4837-ae73-8932ed15b859&page=1&referrer=browse 

Garrards of London Vase on Sale at McTear's

With over 200 lots, McTear's British and Continental Ceramics, Glass and Silver auction is not to be missed. Among other rare and collectable items, we have this silver three handled vase by Garrards of London. Dated 1899 Provenance, this vase was won by the grandfather of the current owner in the Hertfordshire Agricultural Show in 1959. It was originally presented to the Hertfordshire Agricultural Society by a member of the Queen Mother's family.

McTear's 26 Malts Countdown

McTear's are having a countdown to one of our biggest Rare and Collectable Whisky auctions on the 2nd of November.

We're selling a rare collection of 26 malt bottles of Whisky. The original project (named 26 Malts) was a collaboration between The Scotch Malt Whisky Society and 26. In early 2005, 26 writers were teamed up with 26 designers, 18 teams north of the border and eight teams south. The pairings were randomly decided to compound the nature of creative adventure.

Follow our journey on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/McTears

Victorian, Edwardian and Scottish Jewellery, Antique Clocks & Watches, Coins & Objects of Vertu

McTear's have a great auction lined up for next Thursday (13th October). We've got an eclectic mix of 500 lots ranging from an Edwardian diamond and gem set bar brooch (lot 3) to a pearl and coral set bag (lot 150). You can view all the items in our online catalogue and contact the specialists for any further information.

http://www.mctears.co.uk/auctions/browse.aspx?id=c367b95f-b079-418a-8c92-ba35538f7633

Homes and Antiques

The prestigious Homes and Antiques competition has arrived again. Click the link to cast your vote and get the chance to win some amazing prizes
http://m.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2Fn0Fggv&h=NAQC5hKs-&refid=7

http://www.mctears.co.uk/ 

Original Apple Computer - complete with a personal touch

Talk about a classic! Who knew that one day this company would become one of the most recognised brands in the world.

This is an original Apple - 1 computer made in 1976. Retailing for $666 at the time, it fetched $219,249 at auction in 2010. This historic piece came complete with a letter from Steve Jobs, stating the return address as his parent's home and his personal number for technical advice.

http://www.mctears.co.uk/ 

Volkswagen Beetle Sells at McTear's

This lovely Volkswagen Beetle, which has been in the hands of Glaswegian Willie Black since 1966, sold for £6500 at our auction earlier on this week. Mr Black said "I have had great fun with it over the years but I'm 72 now and I think it's time for someone else to appreciate and enjoy it for a while." We certainly hope the buyer does just that!

Allan Ramsay: Portrait of the Hon Rachel Hamilton

What's the best present you boss has ever given you? We'll be very impressed if it beats this!

http://www.mctears.co.uk/auctions/lot.aspx?id=42f3d91d-69d6-4b09-80d8-d46b69e1f11e&referrer=search&page=1

Important Jewels & Watches in September

McTear’s is now inviting entries for our Important Jewels sale on the 28th September. This impressive sale is part of our Autumn series of exclusive fine auctions, all of which will include items of rarity, high value and great interest.

Already consigned is a diamond and ruby set 1920s Cartier watch, a fine art deco pear shaped diamond solitaire ring and a fine diamond cluster ring, with estimates ranging from £2,000 up £20,000.

If you wish to consign to this auction or any of our other jewellery, watches and coins sales then please contact the department specialist Sarah Cotter at sarah@mctears.co.uk

http://www.mctears.co.uk/ 

McTear's Fine Picture Auction

Our next auction is our Fine Pictures sale which starts at 6pm on Tuesday, 27 September. This auction features lots with significant value and interest including important paintings by Allan Ramsay, Sir Alfred Munnings, Anne Redpath and Alison Watt OBE. 

Auction Viewing Times

Saturday 24th September, 9.30am - 1pm
Sunday 25th September, 1pm - 4.30pm
Monday 26th September, 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 27th September, 9am - 5pm

http://www.mctears.co.uk/

Graham McKean- Puerto Banus Oil on Canvas

After the success of his “Oor Wullie” painting, we have another piece by Scottish artist Graham McKean up for auction in our Fine picture sale. His Puerto Banus oil on canvas is Lot number 2, and has an estimated selling price of £2000 - £3000. 

 http://www.mctears.co.uk/

British and Continental Ceramics, Glass and Silver Auction

Our British and Continental Ceramics, Glass and Silver sale is on 29th September 2011. The auction features hundreds of lots of silver, such as tea services, candlesticks, baskets, and suites of cultery, along with glass and ceramics, including a private collection of Moorcroft pottery. 

This rare, early 20TH Century Moorcroft Vase of flaring cylindrical form, is decorated with pomegranate on an olive green ground, signed in green and dated 1914. Stands 12.5cm high. 

Sapphire and Diamond Dress Ring

This lovely sapphire and diamond dress ring is up for sale in our Important Jewels Auction on 28th September. It is estimated to sell for between £500 and £700. This floral motif bezel set with oval brilliant cut sapphires totaling approximately 1.0 carat and brilliant cut diamonds, the central diamond approximately 0.2 carats, set in eighteen carat gold.

A condition report is available on request http://www.mctears.co.uk/auctions/lot.aspx?id=b4a72847-7a47-4434-bdf9-4bd177314892&page=1&referrer=browse 

 

Important Jewels

Our Important Jewels Auction is on 28th September and will feature many rare and high value items. The sale will consist of a wide variety of jewellery, watches and coins. 

These diamond stud earrings (lot number 803) are estimated to sell for between £8000 and £10000. Each earring is brilliant cut stone, approximately 1.5 carats and set in 18 carat white gold.

http://www.mctears.co.uk/auctions/lot.aspx?id=1eeb4112-81c0-47a4-9f8c-e2d470d67eef&page=1&referrer=browse

 

Sensational Silver

On Thursday 29th September McTear's will be holding a sensational silver auction, starting at 12:00 PM. The sale features over 300 lots of silver of wide ranging values, with baskets, comports and tea services worth several hundred pounds, to candlesticks and sets of cutlery estimated at thousands of pounds.

The online catalogue and viewing times will be available soon http://www.mctears.co.uk/auctions/browse.aspx?id=3a0da8e8-cae7-45da-bde7-d97af190b59a

Important Jewels

McTear's important jewel sale is on Wednesday, 28 September 2011 at 06:00 PM. The auction features items of high value or rarity and includes an impressive range of jewellery, watches and coins.

Entries for this sale are invited until 25th August. The viewing times and online catalogue will be available soon http://www.mctears.co.uk/auctions/browse.aspx?id=b48e8709-de69-4015-bbec-45dd1642c7eb

Fine Georgian Snuff Box

The Georgian period conjures up images of romantic poets, darling writers and sophisticated architecture and interiors. The paintings of Gainsborough, verses of Keats and the writings of Austen all personify the era for many of us today. The everyday sights and smells of Georgian life are not as well known. The Georgian Gentry, however, had a secret weapon to combat the less desirable sides to Georgian life, the vinaigrette snuff box. In this month’s sale we feature a rare silver vinaigrette box (Lot 1318) including its original sponge. Not only is the item a beautiful piece of decorative art, it also an interesting piece of social history.

http://www.mctears.co.uk/news/view.aspx?id=a56b05b8-b491-4757-9e3a-f959d614cff6

Fine Edwardian aquamarine and diamond necklace up for auction

In the Fine Jewellery, Watches and Coins sale of the 24th August there is this outstanding Edwardian aquamarine and diamond set necklace. With its seven brilliant cut aquamarines suspended from a diamond set foliate garland motif section, it is a typical and yet outstanding example of Edwardian jewellery design. Such items are rare to the market and this beautiful item represents an opportunity to own a work of art from one of the greatest eras of jewellery design and manufacture.

http://www.mctears.co.uk/news/view.aspx?id=eb82cc08-eb93-447e-aa64-29a510ea7ca1

Contemporary Art Auction

Date: Tuesday, 23 August 2011 at 06:00 PM

Auction Viewing Times

Viewing will be from 9am to 7pm on Monday, 22 August 2011 and from 9am on Tuesday, 23 August 2011.

http://www.mctears.co.uk/auctions/browse.aspx?id=ae7b5ee1-a55d-4499-b11c-6325ea341522

Home & Interiors Auction

Date: Friday, 12 August 2011 at 10:30 AM

Home & Interiors auctions are collective sales of chattels from the 19th century onwards. Each auction will typically consist of 50-80 lots of jewellery, 50-80 lots of silver and silver plate, 200-300 lots of ceramics, glass and objects of art, 40-50 lots of pictures and 100-150 lots of furniture.

Auction Viewing Times

Viewing will be from 9am to 7pm on Thursday, 11 August 2011 and from 9am on Friday, 12 August 2011.

http://www.mctears.co.uk/auctions/browse.aspx?id=30cf87d0-c6d9-46d8-96ad-35e6cf7a9c04

Ibrox Seat Sells for £1,080

A rare seat from Ibrox stadium, dating to the 1920s, has been snapped up at auction for £1,080 by a lifelong Rangers fan.

The seat, which is constructed from cast iron and oak, was retrieved during the major upgrading works to Ibrox stadium in the 1970s.

It is understood very few of the seats are still in existence and auctioneers at McTear's were inundated with enquiries about the lot before the sale took place on Thursday 21st July.

The seat was purchased by Rangers fan Darrin Gibb from Motherwell.

"I saw it earlier in the week and thought I would come along to the auction," said Darrin. "I have been a Rangers fan since I was a boy and I always wanted a seat at Ibrox.   Now I've got one for life."

Brian Clements, Managing Director at McTear's said, "McTear’s has established a reputation for selling interesting and much sought after sports memorabilia but this is the first stadium seat we have put up for auction.

"The seat is associated with an important period in Rangers history and we were not surprised that it attracted so much attention prior to the sale.  There was some fierce bidding on the night and we are delighted that it made such a good price."

Amongst the clouds; the work of J. Whitelaw Hamilton

JAMES WHITELAW HAMILTON ARSA RSW (1860-1932) was born in Glasgow in 1860 and spent the majority of his life in Helensburgh. Known as an associate of the Glasgow Boys, Hamilton works reflects a wide-variety of influences. He began studying fine art in Glasgow and continued his studies in Paris. It was in Paris where he met artists Dagnan-Bouveret and Aime Morot, both leaders of the 19th century French Movement. It has often been suggested that Hamilton's association with Morot and the French Movement influenced his subject choice; landscapes. However, Hamilton's work reflects a much deeper connection with the movement, the rich palette and quiet tones of his work is emblematic of the French Movement.


Upon his return to Scotland, Hamilton continued to paint landscapes, working alongside James Guthrie and several other Glasgow Boys. Hamilton's work is often considered classical and traditionalist in the subject matter and approach and he was often pigeon-holed for the lack of vibrancy and energy of his work. However, in recent years, Hamilton's work has come back to the limelight and the painterly quality of his sensitive and quiet work has found an ever more enthusiastic international audience. This has been reflected by rising prices at auction both in the UK and mainland Europe including £10,000 (Sotheby's Gleneagles August 2008 lot 87 - "Harbour Side" a small oil on canvas dated 1887).


Our July 19th Fine and Contemporary sale features a rare garden scene by Hamilton. The subtle hints of light are ignited by the cool palette outlining the fauna along edges of the work - a genuinely outstanding example of the artist's work.

Lot 19, 'In My Garden' by James Whitelaw Hamilton is estimated at £6500 -8000. 

http://www.mctears.co.uk/

Another successful art auction at McTear's

Notable results included the beautiful Alexander Mann painting Bacchante, which sold for £10,000 after competitive bids. Sir John Lavery’s Woman in an Arab Headdress was also sold for £9,000, and George Henry’s Portrait of William Wilson made £6,000 hammer.

Also worth mentioning, an Ethel Walker was prominently featured with Table by the Window selling for £2,600 and Gold Evening, Argyll for £1,200. Etchings by John Bellany proved to be immensely popular, and James Turnbull’s watercolours and cartoons (featured in The Herald) were a great success, with the watercolours selling for between £100-300 each.



http://www.mctears.co.uk/

RARE ‘BEAR’ STAND FETCHES £2,000

If you went down to McTear’s today, you were in for a big surprise!

A rare 19th Century bear shaped walnut stand from the Black Forest delighted auctioneers in Glasgow today as an anonymous buyer paid almost £2,000 for the piece.

The stand came to McTear’s attention when a Glasgow seller used the auction house’s Text It service to find out how much the stand was worth.

However, as soon as director, Brian Clements, saw the text picture he knew the prospective seller had something special on his hands.

“When I opened the text I realised this was a very rare piece that could attract a lot of interest at auction,” says Brian. “We initially thought the stand could fetch about £800, however as soon as the bidding started we realised it was going to sell for a lot more.

“It is a great piece and we are absolutely delighted that it secured such a good price.”

The McTear’s Text It service allows prospective sellers to have an antique valued wherever it may be. All they need to do is photograph the item on a mobile phone camera and text the picture along with the word ‘value’ to 88600. A specialist from McTear’s will then send a text with an estimated value.

The price quoted above includes buyer’s premium and VAT thereon.


http://www.mctears.co.uk/

Extended Opening Hours at McTear's

We are pleased to anounce an extension to our opening hours, with Sunday Viewings and late nights four days a week.

Weekend Viewings
For a preview of next weeks 'fine auctions' of Pictures, Antiques, Whisky, Jewellery, Ceramics, Silver & Works of Art, we will open this Sunday 12th June for viewing from 1pm until 430pm, adding to the existing Saturday morning viewing 930am till 1pm.

Late Night Opening
From Monday 20th June, McTear's will extend its opening hours from 5pm to 7pm. The full opening times will be as follows:

Monday to Thursday 830am till 7pm*
Friday 830am till 5pm
Saturday 930am until 12noon (later on auction days)
Sunday 1pm till 430pm (once every 5 weeks prior to 'fine' auctions)

*These times are valid from 20th June. Please call in advance to check on opening times, in case of regional holidays, especially if travelling a distance.

http://www.mctears.co.uk/

'Weather Picture' artist Ethel Walker features this Tuesday at McTear's

Ethel Walker studied at the Glasgow School of Art from 1959-1964 under tutor David Donaldson, famous for painting the Queen’s portrait. Walker began her career as a teacher, first in Glasgow and then as the Head of the Art Department at St Hilary’s Girls School. At the age of twenty-seven, she realised that she was an artist first and devoted herself to painting. 

The phrase ‘weather picture’ has often been used in conjunction with Walker’s work, as indeed her paintings often represent the stormy sea off the West Coast of Scotland, near her home in Argyll. The artist’s oeuvre is not limited to landscape subjects; Walker paints still lifes, usually floral studies. Walker is one of the most successful female
painters working in Scotland today, regularly exhibiting in London and Scotland. Her work is held in many private and public collections, including the Bank of Scotland, City of
Edinburgh Art Collection and the Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh.

 

http://www.mctears.co.uk/news/view.aspx?id=916249a5-a933-45e2-a3aa-b43e816d74b5

TURNBULL COLLECTION TO GO UNDER THE HAMMER

One of the country’s top newspaper illustrators will be the focus of attention at McTear's tomorrow when 29 rare watercolours and cartoons go up for sale. Leading Scottish artist, Jim Turnbull, worked for The Herald for more than 30 years and over that time his carefully observed satirical cartoons became a much loved feature in the paper.

Not only was Turnbull a skilled illustrator but his detailed watercolours, which included striking townscapes, landscapes and coastal scenes were also critically acclaimed.

When the artist passed away in 2004 he left a collection of his works to his daughter, Pamela, however, with little space to show the pictures, she has decided that the time is right for others to enjoy the works and has now put them into McTear’s Fine and Contemporary Picture Sale.

“Unfortunately I had to place most of the pictures into storage so they have been hidden from view for quite some time,” says Pamela. “I just don’t have the space to show them and they deserve to be hanging on a wall rather than sitting in a cupboard.”

The collection, which includes 16 watercolours and 13 cartoons, will go up for sale on Tuesday 14th June with an estimate of approximately £4,000 for the combined works.

http://www.mctears.co.uk/news/view.aspx?id=1ae27b09-5849-44dd-8961-01fd0bab075d

Sports Memorabilia

Alec Bennett's Scottish Football League versus Southern Football League medal, awarded to the player on the 14th October 1912, made in nine carat gold. Alec Bennett was born in 1881, signed for Glasgow Celtic Football Club in 1903 where over the five seasons he played there won four Scottish League Championships as initially a centre forward and later outside right. He won three full international caps with Scotland during his Celtic career, before signing for Glasgow Rangers in May 1908, ten days after scoring the winning goal against them, becoming the first footballer to play for both Celtic and Rangers. This transfer caused an enquiry to be called for though Celtic's complaint that the player had been approached by Rangers was found without substantiation owing to a clause in the players contract. He continued to play for Rangers until 1914, winning three more league championship medals and eight further full international caps. Quotes of the period in respect of the player included "A veritable artful dodger with rare speed and command of the ball" and "He had a rare and speedy stride and when he ran it took a good man to catch him". He died in 1940.

 http://www.mctears.co.uk/

Bacchante by Alexander Mann expected to sell for £12,000

Alexander Mann was born in Glasgow on January 22, 1853. He took drawing lessons from the age of ten with Robert Greenlees (1820–94) and then attended evening classes at the Glasgow School of Art, where Greenlees was headmaster. In 1877 he went to Paris and enrolled at the Académie Julian, and then studied under Mihály Munkácsy and from 1881 to 1885 under Carolus-Duran.

 From 1883-93 Mann exhibited in London at the Royal Academy, Royal Institute of Oil Painters, Fine Art Society, New
Gallery, Ridley Art Club, New English Art Club and Society of British Artists, a society that appointed James McNeill Whistler its President in 1886. In the same year he was invited to become the first Scottish member of
the New English Art Club and was joined by several of his friends, notably John Lavery, Thomas Millie Dow of the Glasgow Boys and Norman Garstin.

Influenced by the Hague school and by Jules Bastien-Lepage, his picture A Bead Stringer, Venice gained an honorable mention at the Salon in 1885 but after a public controversy over this painting when it was exhibited at the Royal Glasgow Institute, Mann settled in England.

Notable auction sales of Mann’s work include £26,290 (Christie’s London 28th October 2004 lot 218), £10,000 (L&T, Edinburgh 29th May 2008 lot 142) and 11,000 EUR (Whyte’s, Dublin 22nd February 2005 lot 95).

http://www.mctears.co.uk/

SMASHING VASES SET TO SHINE.....

Two rare 19th Century vases, produced by one of Britain's most renowned designers, will go under the hammer in Glasgow this month.

The Florian vases, lot 1054, which were part of William Moorcroft's first range of tableware, are expected to fetch up to £5000 at the British & Continental Ceramics sale being held at McTear's Auctioneers on Thursday, June 16th.

Standing 22cm high, the blue and white vases were painted entirely by hand and the Florian pattern is outlined using a technique made famous by Moorcroft called tube lining.

Commenting on the sale, Brian Clements from McTear's said: "William Moorcroft's work is highly regarded around the world with museums, including the Victoria & Albert in London, housing pieces in their permanent collections. His attention to detail and passion for his craft are clear to see in all his pottery which he personally oversaw being made. We expect there will be a great deal of interest in the two vases which will be sold together as a pair."

The British & Continental Ceramics & Glass, Silver & Objects of Art sale will take place at McTear's, Meiklewood Gate, Glasgow on Thursday, June 16th

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An Interesting History

In our Jewellery, Watches and Coins auction on the15th June 2011, We are pleased to present for sale an outstanding diamond two stone ring. With stones totalling approximately 2.0 carats set in platinum, this ring is a highly desirable piece of fine jewellery. Adding to this value is the ring’s interesting history or provenance as auction houses refer to it.

 

The ring was given by the Hon. Lord Birnam to his wife-to-be as her engagement ring. Lord Birnam was the solicitor advocate of Scotland who sat in the House of Lords. Lord Birnam was educated at Hamilton Academy, The High School of Glasgow and the University of Glasgow. His legal career started when he was called to the Scots Bar in 1910. Lord Birnam became a well respected and revered figure both in Scots and English law in the twentieth century.

The ring was worn with a platinum wedding band, also offered for sale in our auction of the 15th June 2011.

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Early 20th century Rechabites Temperance silk embroidered sash

 This rare early 20th century Rechabites Temperance silk embroidered sash depicts Rechabite symbols including two allegorical figures and a beehive and was brought in for valuation by a member of the public. The Independent Order of Rechabites was a friendly society founded in England in 1835. The society was part of a wider movement in the nineteenth century that focussed on abstinence from alcohol. Records of the Glasgow Rechabites are partly held by the University of Glasgow Library Special Collections for research purposes.

The sash is lot 1731 and is valued at £30-50, auction: 16th June 2011 at 6pm 

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