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Highlights from The Autumn Art Sale


September 2025

Our recent Autumn Art Sale at David Duggleby proved to be a memorable event, drawing strong bidding both online and in the saleroom. From atmospheric marine paintings to Yorkshire landscapes and even a record-breaking result, the sale reflected the breadth and quality of fine art on offer. Collectors and enthusiasts alike were treated to a catalogue that celebrated British and international art across the centuries, with several standout results worth revisiting.

Marine Art Makes Waves

Marine painting has long been a cornerstone of British art, reflecting the nation’s deep connection with the sea. In the 18th and 19th centuries especially, when Britain’s naval and mercantile dominance was at its height, collectors prized paintings that captured both the majesty and the peril of life on the water. In this sale, John Wilson Carmichael’s “Approaching the Careening Hard – St. Peter Port Guernsey” stood out, realising £2,200. Carmichael, a Newcastle-born artist, became one of the Victorian era’s most accomplished marine painters, known for blending technical accuracy with an eye for atmosphere. His Guernsey harbour scene perfectly illustrates this balance, showing vessels at rest against a backdrop alive with coastal light. 


Edward Caruana Dingli's Fort St Angelo and the Grand Harbour captivated collectors and enthusiasts alike. This atmospheric piece, measuring 29.5cm x 55cm and signed by the artist, fetched £9,200. Notably, it is believed to be a preliminary oil study for a watercolour featured in the book The Colour and Life of Malta, published by Critien’s around 1925. The painting's Mediterranean charm and historical context resonated with bidders, underscoring Dingli's enduring appeal in the art market. Another excellent piece was the captivating 'Boats in a Harbour' by Henri Eugene Callot (French 1875-1956) achieving £2,000 on the day.

Yorkshire Art - The Enduring Legacy of Anne Isabella Brooke

Yorkshire landscapes remain perennially popular at auction, and few artists capture the region’s character as effectively as Anne Isabella Brooke (1916–2002). Born in Baildon and trained at Leeds College of Art, Brooke dedicated much of her career to painting the Dales and Moors. Her canvases are prized for their sensitive handling of light and their ability to convey both the grandeur and intimacy of the northern landscape.In this sale, three works were especially sought after: “Ribblesdale near Stainforth” selling for £1,100, “Penhill from Preston-under-Scar – Wensleydale” selling for £6,800 and “Towards Simon’s Seat – Wharfedale" selling for £1,200. Each scene captures a distinctive corner of Yorkshire, and together they highlight Brooke’s subtle palette and confident brushwork. 


Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these paintings speak to a long tradition of Yorkshire artists documenting their environment, from the Staithes Group in the late 19th century to post-war painters like Brooke. Collectors continue to respond warmly to Brooke’s work because it bridges the gap between local familiarity and universal appeal. Her paintings evoke the timeless rhythms of rural life while offering a modern sensibility, making them as relevant to today’s collectors as they were to audiences when first painted.

The Standout Result From The Sale

The star moment of the Autumn Art Sale came with the success of John Atkinson Grimshaw’s Whitby from Scotch Head — oil on board, signed and dated 1886+. This luminous work, capturing the rugged charm and ephemeral light of the Yorkshire coast, achieved hammer success well beyond expectations. Grimshaw (1836–1893) is long celebrated for his ability to convey mood, moonlight, mist and reflection with a mastery few could match. In Whitby from Scotch Head, the transparent glazes and delicately outlined townscape merge into a striking portrayal of a place he revisited repeatedly throughout his career. The painting’s provenance includes previous appearances in notable collections and reputable auctions — giving it both pedigree and market appeal. 


This result shows that a work’s story can be just as important as the name on the label. Grimshaw’s deep connection with Yorkshire continues to resonate, particularly with local collectors and those drawn to coastal landscapes. Provenance also plays a crucial role, with clear ownership history, catalogue recognition, and careful scholarship—including insights from Alexander Robertson—helping to build confidence in the work. And despite shifting tastes, there remains a strong appetite for pieces that combine technical skill, emotional depth, and visual clarity, proving that quality still triumphs in today’s art market.
We are now inviting entries for our next series of Fine Art auctions. If you have a painting, drawing, or sculpture that you are considering selling, our specialists would be delighted to provide a free valuation and discuss the best way to bring your artwork to market.
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