Tuke emerges at Batemans

Wonderful early 20th century English Impressionist nude study sells for £20,000!

Donated to a local charity shop!

Senior Valuer Greg Bateman was stunned to see a wonderful early 20th century English Impressionist nude figural study emerge from the shopping bag in which it arrived at Batemans’ Stamford Office with one of the volunteers from the charity shop. Such an incredible story deserves an incredible ending, and this doesn’t disappoint!

Manner of Henry Scott Tuke RA RWS (British, 1858-1929): nude study of a young man, circa 1915, crouched down looking off to the left, with his arms resting on his thighs, the model is probably Charlie Mitchell, Tuke’s boat handler, unsigned, oil on panel, 39.0 by 30.0cm, in a contemporary gilt gesso frame, 53.8 by 45.4cm, with gallery label to the back ‘Rowley, 140-2 Kensington W8’.

Sold on 2nd December £20,000 hammer (£24,800 including 24% BP)

It sold to a UK collector who will be trying to pin down a firm attribution but is nonetheless extremely pleased to have fought off stiff competition to ‘win’ it.

This painting was the most watched lot across all platforms in this sale, with nearly fifty ‘watchers’ on the-saleroom.com, it opened bidding at £520, and with eight different bidders, including one phone line, it took 88 bids and about 6 minutes to reach its wonderful total!

It is the most expensive painting Batemans has ever sold (the previous being £12,000 for a large Trajan Hughes oil), and is also the third most expensive lot we’ve ever sold.

To enquire about this lot please contact us on 01780 766466 or info@batemans.com