Record-Breaking Results at Mallams’ Modern Art & Design Sale

Some record-breaking results were achieved at Mallams’ 17-18 May Modern Art & Design Sale, with total sales of just over £635K, almost 10% above the upper estimate, and 93% of lots sold.

On day 1, lot 198 was the star performer. This untitled relief by Ben Nicholson (1894-1982), inscribed to the reverse with 'Nicholson Chy An Kerris, Carbis Bay, St Ives', sold for £54,000 (just over mid-estimate) to a UK phone bidder.

A Mary Fedden (1915-2012) oil painting entitled ‘Tabby’ (lot 282) was another lot that piqued interest. Coming from the private collection of Robert Boas, and previously from the New Grafton Gallery, London, 15 June 1989, bids on this striking painting soon sailed past its £4000-£6000 guide, with a UK phone bidder sealing the deal with a £14,500 bid.

Coming to Mallams from the Mayor Gallery in London was a ‘Surrealist Composition’ (lot 193) by the English painter and master printmaker Stanley William Hayter (1901-1988). Dating from 1930 and estimated at £2000-£3000, this oil painting saw some fierce competition, with the hammer finally falling at £8000 to an online bidder.

Lot 225 was an oil on board painting entitled ‘Venice from the Lagoon’ by the contemporary British landscape painter, Fred Cuming (1930-1922). Estimated at £2000-£4000, strong interest saw it sell for £7500 to a commission bidder.

Day 2 was all about design and featured a wonderful collection of ceramics, including lot 626, a large, asymmetric vessel by Jennifer Lee (b. 1956). This caused much excitement amongst bidders, and eventually sold for a staggering £40,000 (estimate: £15,000-£25,000), with the winning bid coming from a UK phone bidder.

Another stand out lot from day 2 was a steel and cast aluminium ‘Series 2 Signals Lamp’ (lot 770) by Vassilakis Takis (1925-2019) which stood over 2 metres high and dated from circa 1968. Guided at £2000-£3000, strong interest both in the room and online saw the price soar to £10,000, eventually selling to an in-room bidder.

Mallams is now inviting entries for its next Modern Art + Design Sale so if you have any items you are considering selling at auction please email max@mallams.co.uk for a free, informal valuation. 

All prices are subject to a 30% buyers' premium (VAT inclusive).