Lay’s Auctioneers

One of the most important groups of works by the artists’ colony to emerge recently indicates level of demand in this market

A long-forgotten group of letters written by senior members of Scott and Shackleton’s first trailblazing 1901 expedition to the Antarctic has been discovered.

The handstitched booklet titled Balls & My Partners, 1844-1845 was written by Adelaide Horatia Elizabeth Seymour (1825-77) as she enjoyed the life of a debutante.

Cast-iron provenances and first appearances on the market combine to boost value in a Cornish saleroom

A Cornish exhibition gives the final chance to view a group of more than 150 paintings and ceramics by influential artists and potters working in the county before they are dispersed at auction.

Two portraits and a shipping scene by the Newlyn School artist were consigned from three different sources

One of two texts in a single volume revealed after eager bidding to be by Hungarian Jesuit

Jewellery from the estate of Ella Naper (1886-1972) was offered at Lay’s (21% buyer’s premium) in Lanner, Cornwall on August 10-11.

In the oeuvre of ‘primitive’ painter Bryan Pearce (1929-2006), still-lifes are significantly rarer than his marine and harbour scenes.

Works by Reginald Pepper (fl.1970s-90s) are not very common at auction – and this is not just because he doesn’t exist.

This pair of silver wine decanter stands or bottle coasters by Philip Rundell (1746-1827) for Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, (London 1819 and 1820) sold for £10,500.

A collection of 32 letters and cards written by Diana, Princess of Wales to two friends came for sale at Lay’s (18% buyer’s premium).

La Lutine, launched by the French in 1779 and later requisitioned into the Royal Navy, is today best known for its sinking.

Lay’s Auctioneers (previously known as David Lay) has expanded with a second saleroom in its home county of Cornwall.

Simple, nature-inspired motifs and geometric shapes run through the work of St Ives artist Breon O’Casey (1928-2011).

A combination of artist, sitter, date and quality ensured a compelling Newlyn school portrait caught the eye at David Lay’s latest auction in Penzance.