It’s becoming a bit of a cliché in the ever-churning art world that media headlines routinely scream about exorbitant bids for previously unfamiliar objects or paintings. ‘Why?’, ‘Who?’, they gasp. And what folly.
A recent example was spurred by Lyon & Turnbull’s Scottish Paintings & Sculpture auction. Lot 791 featured a variety of works by Scottish Colourist John Duncan Fergusson. The Leith-born artist brought the room to a collective draw-of-breath when bidding climbed to a tidy half-million quid.
From the business end such publicity not only increases awareness of the sale, it also piques the interest of a curious public. And so many modern auction houses are keen to encourage that curiosity.
Alice Strang, Lyon & Turnbull’s Senior Specialist in 20th-Century Modern & Contemporary Art, is understandably enthusiastic about getting more people in the room for the live experience. ‘We have many online and telephone buyers these days but you can’t beat the buzz of being here in person,’ she explains. ‘I call it the ‘Wimbledon’ moment: two bidders go head-to-head as the audience looks on. Initially everything is quiet and respectful then an unexpected move is made and the drama builds. It’s an exciting and thrilling competition.’
There’s another bonus of being present at auction: you get to see some sensational works up-close. How often would you come across S J Peploe’s Still Life with Fruit and Flowers – a dramatic and exciting flourish of purples and oranges that practically invented the Scottish modernist style – in all its sparkling glory? The picture feels oddly familiar, yet here, nose-to-nose in the auction room, the oils reveal a thick, buttery warmth, full of depth and texture.
Although the top lots grab headlines, it’s very possible to build a private collection over time on a modest budget. Jewellery, pottery, antiques and furniture auctions offer the opportunity to nab a nifty art-deco pendant, unique hand-made sculptures, wall art, or even a classy Ercol chair. Many items would make fantastic wedding, birthday or anniversary presents.
‘it’s sometimes possible in auction to secure an original for the same price as a modern print!’
Alice Strang, Lyon & Turnbull’s Senior Specialist in 20th-Century Modern & Contemporary Art
‘The fun is in searching, finding and discovering something unique,’ says Alice. ‘For example, old holiday and railway posters are popular at the moment but it’s sometimes possible in auction to secure an original for the same price as a modern print!’
The old myth about getting slapped with a massive bill because you scratched your nose doesn’t happen. There are many ways to take full control of the bidding experience, says Alice: ‘You can bid by phone while watching the auction online. This means a representative in the room will ask every time if you want to go higher. Or you can register though the website and place bids in private up to your own limits. But to get the full experience it’s always best to take your paddle into the room’.
Pre-auction viewings are the crowning glory of the experience. How often do we get up-close to an genuine Peploe or Hornel, or check the signature of A A Milne on an original copy of Winnie the Pooh?
L&T’s website also includes a virtual tour where you can take a stroll through the stunning interiors of this converted church building.
With thanks to Malcolm McGonigle for this review.
