SALE OF PICTURES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2253, 6 May 1897, Page 53

SALE OF PICTU RES.

There wan an unusually large attendance of fche public and art connoisseurs at Mr H. S. Valentine's auction room on Friday, when there waa submitted a collection of some 50 pictures by well-known British artists, includisg works by Charles Cattermole, R.1., H. C. Fox, Keeley Halwell, R.S.A., Wiggs, Kinnaird, Copley Fielding, B. Hargitfc, R.1., J. Rowe, and others. _ Competition in some instances was keen, and shewed clearly that when really fine work was available there is no lack of spirit or of means for indulgence in artistic # worVs of baauty. Amongst, the mpsfc prominent purchaser* was Mr J. T. Wright, who secured Mr Fox's fine water-colours, "Windsor from the Racecourse" and "Silver Birchfs," at figures which were ra.tb.er au eye-opener to those nofc accustomed to invest in such luxuries, although at the same time it cannot be said he paid any excessive price when the merits of the works are taken into consideration. It is only to be regretted that such examples did nofc fall into the hands of the local Art Society, to whose collection they would have been of the first importance. Messrs Keith Ramsay, M. Finker, and Da Beere were also important purchasers. Picture sales us a rale have not been conspicuous for their success, but on this occasion there was a distinct exception, nearly every lot submitted having; been disposed of under the hammer, whilst those passed in subsequently found' purchasers at highly satisfactory prices.