Beryl Cook Painting Sells for £20,000!
Beryl Cook, one of Britain’s most beloved and instantly recognisable artists, continues to captivate audiences with her vibrant, humorous depictions of everyday life. Much of her inspiration was drawn from her home city of Plymouth, where she was a familiar face around the Barbican, regularly visiting pubs such as The Dolphin Inn and strolling along the Hoe near her residence.
Since her passing in 2008, demand for original works by Cook has remained consistently strong. Collectors had a rare opportunity to acquire not one, but two fine original paintings in our recent Contemporary Art Auction. resulting in them selling for thousands!
The two paintings had been consigned to Plymouth Auction Rooms from as far afield as Scotland and London.
The first, Sailors and Seagulls, painted around 1970 and measuring approximately 3 feet by 2 feet, is believed to have been inspired by sailors Cook would have seen in Plymouth. The painting features a group of sailors smoking on a bench on Plymouth Hoe, with Cook’s dog, Bozo, in the background. It beautifully captures the unique character of each sailor, in Cook’s unmistakable naïve style.
This painting has remained in the same family since it was acquired directly from the artist. Auctioneer Paul Keen described it as “an exceptional work that truly captures the essence of Beryl Cook’s charm and her deep connection to her hometown." This unique painting sold to a UK collector for an astounding £20,000.
The second piece, Big Julie, measures 18 x 9 inches and shows the formidable Julie entertaining locals in what is likely a Plymouth pub. With its bold characterisation and joyful tone, this classic Cook scene is sure to bring a smile. It had been part of a Scottish private collection for 25 years and sold to a UK collector for £7,500.
A collection of Beryl Cook Originals will be featuring as part of the upcoming Tony Martin Estate Auction on Wednesday 3rd September. For more details please call the saleroom on 01752 254740 or email info@plymouthauctions.co.uk