06/08/2025 Latest News
We’re delighted to be hosting a very special event this summer – the retirement auction of John Nicholson Fine Art, taking place on Thursday 28 August at 2pm here at Elstob Auctioneers in Ripon.
John Nicholson has long been regarded as one of the North East’s most respected provincial art dealers, and this carefully curated collection is a fitting tribute to his distinguished career.
With over 100 lots on offer, the sale features a wide array of 19th- and early 20th-century British paintings, many of which celebrate the rich artistic heritage of our region. At the heart of the auction is a strong emphasis on North East landscapes and coastal scenes. Around 40 of the works capture views from Northumberland, County Durham and the Yorkshire coast, sitting alongside evocative pieces from the Lake District and Scottish Highlands.
One of the standout lots is Collecting Gravel, a beautiful oil on board by Ralph Hedley (1848–1913). A key figure in the Staithes Group and one of the North East’s most admired painters, Hedley was a master of atmosphere and detail. This work, showing a man with his horse and cart at a riverbank, captures a moment of quiet industry and carries a guide price of £1,500–£2,000.
We’re also pleased to offer a captivating group of coastal watercolours by Thomas Swift Hutton (1865–1935). His delicate handling of light and weather brings each scene vividly to life, with highlights including Bathing Pool, Table Rock, Whitley Bay; Old Hartley, Northumberland Coast; and St George’s Bay, Tynemouth. Estimates for these pieces begin at a highly accessible £60–£80 – ideal for those looking to start or expand a collection.
Another strong presence in the auction is John Falconer Slater (1857–1937), known for his expressive brushwork and ability to capture the shifting drama of sky and sea. Among the highlights are Cart on a Coastal Path estimated at £700–£1,000; The Upper Tyne estimated at £600–£800; and On the Way Home estimated at £500–£700, each offering a distinctive glimpse into the northern landscape through Slater’s confident and emotive style.
Adding to the breadth of the collection are works by William Langley (1890–1920), with various scenic views of Scotland; William Richardson (1842–1887), whose St Paul’s from the Thames is estimated at £700–£1,000; and Charles Wyatt (1908–1993), represented by Cottages near Snowdon, estimated at £300–£500.
It’s a well-balanced and wide-ranging group of works, offering something for both seasoned collectors and those new to buying art. Many of the pieces carry very reasonable estimates, making this a rare opportunity to invest in original, high-quality British art.
The full catalogue is now available to view at www.elstob.co.uk, and we welcome bidding online, in person, by phone or by commission bid. For enquiries, condition reports or to register to bid, please contact us on 01765 699200 or email info@elstob.co.uk.
We hope you can join us for what promises to be a memorable and well-attended auction.