Entries for Halls Fine Art Sporting and Wildlife auction in Shrewsbury now open

The leading regional auctioneers are keen to build on the success of last November’s auction when an oil painting of famous British thoroughbred racehorse Touchstone galloped away to the top price of £1,650.

Another notable success was a pair of oil paintings by George Armfield (1808-‘93), showing Terriers gathered around a rat trap in a barn, which sold for £1,300.

Consigned by a Cheshire collector, the painting of Touchstone by an artist after John Frederick Herring Snr (1795-1865) showed the thoroughbred racehorse with his jockey wearing the Marquess of Westminster's racing colours.

Touchstone (1831-‘61) was bred and owned by Robert Grosvenor (1767-1845), 1st Marquess of Westminster, whose country house was at Eaton Hall, Cheshire, and was particularly successful in longer distance races. He went on to become one of the most influential sires of the 19th century, siring three Epson Derby winners.

Alexander Clement, Halls Fine Art’s senior general valuer and auctioneer, said he is particularly keen to attract paintings and prints on equestrian, field sports, wildlife,  country pursuits, fishing and golf themes.

Works by wildlife artists Charles Frederick Tunnicliffe, Archibald Thorburn, Peter Markham Scott, Terence Lambert and Adrian Rigby would be welcomed particularly.

Sporting and wildlife related silverware, jewellery, ceramics, bronze sculptures, trophies, taxidermy and books are being sought, together with shooting and hunting accessories, antique split cane fly fishing rods and equestrian equipment.

Halls Fine Art were approached by several clients last year asking them to revive the sporting and wildlife auctions, which were very popular with sellers and buyers in the past.

Alexander said: “If anyone has something they think might be of interest for the auction, please contact the fine art team. 

“We were very pleased with the response to our November sporting and wildlife auction and hope to build on that platform during 2025.”

Ahead of the auction on April 10 in Shrewsbury, Halls Fine Art is holding a free valuation day for sporting and wildlife items at the company’s Battlefield headquarters on February 27. The closing date for entries is March 7.