Auction of antique oil paintings to raise funds for Lichfield Festival

Auction of antique oil paintings to raise funds for Lichfield Festival

ANTIQUE oil paintings are to be auctioned off to raise funds for the Lichfield Festival.

The five works were purchased by Helen and Vic Wiser in 1990 and hung at Swinfen Hall until they sold the property in 2021, at which point the paintings were consigned to the basement.

The Wisers have been sponsors of the Lichfield Festival for over 30 years and when they heard of the paintings' fate, they asked new owner Lee Bushell if he would allow them to be auctioned off to raise funds.

“Lee readily agreed and we are hugely appreciative of his continuing support,” said Helen, who has been Chair of Lichfield Festival since 2017.

“We are also indebted to Richard Winterton, a longstanding friend of the Festival, for waiving all costs in selling these paintings.”

They go under the hammer with Richard Winterton Auctioneers at The Lichfield Auction Centre, Wood End Lane, Fradley Park, in the Antiques & Home Sale on Monday, February 12, starting at 9.30am.

The portrait of Colonel John Hutchinson, one of the signatories of the death warrant of Charles I.

The paintings include a 124.5cm tall three-quarter length portrait of a lady attributed to British artist Richard Buckner (1812-1882) and a portrait of Colonel John Hutchinson, one of the signatories of the death warrant of Charles I, in the style of the 17th century English school.

Details from the 262cm-wide 18th century copy of Guido Reni’s fresco Aurora.

There is also a 262cm-wide 18th century oil copy of Italian Baroque artist Guido Reni’s fresco masterpiece ‘L’Aurora’ (Aurora) – the original Baroque ceiling fresco was painted in 1614 for the garden house adjacent to the Palazzo Pallavicini-Rospigliosi in Rome.

The 18th century copy of Titian’s ‘Girl With A Platter Of Fruit’.

The other two works are an 18th century copy of Titian’s ‘Girl With A Platter Of Fruit’ and a 20th century copy of Goya’s ‘The Dance of San Antonio de la Florida’ painted by South American artist Enriques Lagares.

The copy of Goya’s ‘The Dance of San Antonio de la Florida’ painted by South American artist Enriques Lagares.

Auctioneer Richard Winterton was happy to help. He said: “The Lichfield Festival has been bringing an eclectic programme of arts and entertainment to Lichfield for more than 40 years.

“We hope the paintings will bring in a good sum to help the Festival continue to flourish.”

The catalogue can be viewed online via our Auction Dates page a week before the sale and viewing in person at The Lichfield Auction Centre takes place between 10am and 4pm on Friday, February 9.

The portrait attributed to British artist Richard Buckner (1812-1882).

Appointments for free valuations of all types of items can be booked on 01543 251081 or by emailing office@richardwinterton.co.uk.

Free home visits for large collections and house clearance quotations are also available.

Further details about the Lichfield Festival and the upcoming Literature Festival can be found online here.

Pictured top of page: Helen Wiser and Richard Winterton with the portrait attributed to Richard Buckner.