EDWARD SEAGO, FAVOURITE ARTIST OF PRINCE PHILIP, OFFERED AT BONHAMS
A stunning collection of paintings by Edward Seago, one of the Royal Family’s favourite British artists, will be offered in the 20th Century British Art sale on the 29th June.
Seago was largley a self-taught artist whose work spanned landscapes, seascapes, skyscapes, street scenes, gardens and portraits.
Due to his innovative interpretation of his subjects, Seago became increasingly popular, particularly with the Queen Mother. She bought so many of his paintings that eventually Seago, who died in 1974, gave her two a year- on her birthday and at Christmas. Prince Philip also became an admirer of Seago’s work and invited him on a tour of Antarctica in 1954. Thirty-six works by the artist are currently in the Royal Collection.
Seven paintings by Seago will be offered by Bonhams, including a striking urban scene entitled “Corner of the Champs Elysées” that is estimated to sell for £30,000 – 50,000. Other works, ranging from £6,000 – 30,000 include a Suffolk seascape entitled “The Beach at Kessingland”, which is estimated to sell for £20,000 – 30,000 and has never been seen at auction before.
Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world's oldest and largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. The present company was formed by the merger in November 2001 of Bonhams & Brooks and Phillips Son and Neale UK. In August 2002, the company acquired Butterfields, the principal firm of auctioneers on the West Coast of America. Today, Bonhams offers more sales than any of its rivals, through two major salerooms in London: New Bond Street, and Knightsbridge, and a further five throughout the UK. Sales are also held in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Carmel, New York and Boston in the USA; Toronto, Canada; and France, Monaco, Australia, Hong Kong and Dubai. Bonhams has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 27 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 57 specialist areas. By the end of 2009, Bonhams had become UK market leaders in ten key specialist collecting areas. For a full listing of upcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, go to www.bonhams.com
