Beryl Cook Sells At Auction

It is not common today to find many artworks that have never appeared on the auction market, and less that were gifted by the artist to the owner. So we were delighted to take instructions from the Donaldson family, in September this year, to sell their charming small Beryl Cook painting titled ‘A Bride to Be’.

In 1995, popular Plymouth artist Beryl Cook regularly visited her hairdresser Sarah, who at the time was getting married. Following Sarah’s hen night out, Beryl was inspired to capture the evening in the form of a neat oil painting. When Auctioneer Paul Keen met with Sarah and her husband Gary, he could see how passionate they were about the painting and Beryl herself. Sarah recollected her conversations with Beryl and the time she spent with her, talking about everything from their holidays to daily life.

Upon seeing the painting, we were confident that due to the scarcity and rare opportunity to buy an original Beryl Cook painting at auction, that it would attract interest once promoted. Following extensive social media and online promotion, it was no surprise we had tremendous commentary and pre-sale interest.

The valuation of £6,000 to £7,000 was satisfactory, and encouraged Sarah and Gary to sell the work in the hope that the sale would allow them to enjoy perhaps a cruise, very much in the manner of the trips Beryl went on and would tell Sarah about during her hair appointments.

The water tight provenance of the painting encouraged incredible bidding during the 24th November auction, with the gavel coming down at an impressive £7,700 (+auction fees) to a collector bidding on the telephone. It was a pleasure to see the excitement coming from Gary, who attended the auction to see it being sold.

Auctioneer Paul Keen says “there is always a premium for provenance, quality, and fine local art. The fact that this painting came directly from the artist, to the owner and now to the collector, is the perfect pedigree to achieve such a great price”.

Should you have a Beryl Cook painting, contact us via Email or Call on 01752 254740, to arrange your free auction valuation.