However, in terms of Victorian pictures, provincial salerooms continue to offer bidders some interesting and eye-pleasing lots. In terms of topographical interest and anecdotal detail, this mid-19th century Charles Pilkington White canvas, above right, of Dover Harbour, measuring 20in by 2ft 6in (51 x 76cm), seemed not overly expensive when it sold at £1100 at the Leicester rooms of Heathcote Ball (12.5% buyer’s premium) on February 28.
The previous day at the Wotton Auction Rooms (15% buyer’s premium) similarly good value appeared to be represented by a pair of William Meadows views of Venice, measuring 91/4 by 21in (23 x 53cm), one of which is shown below right. Both signed and respectively inscribed Grand Canal, Venice and Guidecca, Venice, the pair sold to a North Country dealer at £1400.
You can still get value out of the Victorians
What will £1500 buy in today’s picture market? If quality is going to be my criterion and oil painting is my medium, then not very much, one might be forced to conclude after reading the latest report on how the market is polarising between an increasingly expensive best and a totally undesirable rest.
