When imagining an auction, one might picture an auctioneer on the rostrum, gavel in hand, energetically taking bids from eager collectors vying in the saleroom to secure their desired art piece. However, an auction is far more than a live event—it’s the culmination of months of meticulous planning and research by specialists before any artwork is presented for sale by a reputable auction house.
06/01/2025
Halls Fine Art Auctioneers, based in Shrewsbury, is the leading international auctioneer in the region, hosting dedicated Modern and Contemporary Art sales throughout the year. Our specialists have earned strong reputations for uncovering the hidden stories behind exceptional objects and artworks.
Modern and Contemporary Art is a highly collectible and dynamic market, but savvy collectors must approach it with preparation to avoid pitfalls. Provenance is absolutely essential in the contemporary art market. We always recommend consulting a specialist regarding any artwork, as numerous factors influence value. For example, with limited edition prints, variables such as edition size, publication date, publisher, state, whether it was issued during the artist’s lifetime, and rarity can significantly affect its value.
Our specialist, Abigail Molenaar, often collaborates with international estates and experts to determine the authenticity of Modern Art pieces—work reminiscent of the TV programme Fake or Fortune. For instance, Abigail authenticated two Picasso etchings from the celebrated Vollard Suite after research trips to the British Museum. These etchings successfully sold for £12,300 (plus fees). While thousands of Picasso prints are in circulation, many re-releases or reproductions are valued at just a fraction of Vollard Suite etchings. When it comes to art, thorough research and authentication are crucial to determining value.
, Taureau aile Contemple par Quatre Enfants (Winged Bull Watched by Four Children), Etching from the Vollard Suite, on laid paper with Vollard watermark, signed Picasso bott.jpg)
One highlight of the upcoming Modern and Contemporary Art auction on March 19th is an extraordinary watercolour that has undergone a 12-month-long authentication process—a remarkable and previously unknown still life by German Expressionist Emil Nolde (1867–1956). This stunning painting, titled Red-Blooming Cacti, comes from a Shropshire collection. Halls collaborated with the Nolde Foundation in Seebüll, Germany, to authenticate it. The painting was safely transported to Germany, evaluated by Nolde experts, and accepted for inclusion in the artist’s forthcoming catalogue raisonné, fully acknowledged as an authentic work by Nolde.
Nolde is celebrated for his vibrant use of colour and emotive compositions, and Red-Blooming Cacti is no exception. Halls is delighted to offer it for sale in the March 19th auction with an estimate of £25,000–£35,000. This extraordinary painting will be joined by an exciting selection of works, including pieces by Damien Hirst, John Piper, Paul Jenkins, and a collection of bronze sculptures by artists such as Marie-Paule Deville-Cabrolle and Albert Avetissian.
There is still time to consign to the auction, with entries accepted until mid-February. For a free valuation, please contact us at 01743 450 700 or email fineart@hallsgb.com.
At Halls, our passion for Fine Art and Antiques extends beyond the auction room. Our specialists work tirelessly to ensure each consigned piece is thoroughly researched, accurately valued, and expertly presented. By combining in-house expertise with our global network, we bring extraordinary pieces to light and uphold a commitment to the highest ethical standards. When you purchase from Halls Fine Art, you are not just acquiring an item—you’re investing in a piece of history, expertly handled and authentically represented.
+44 (0)1743 450 700
fineart@hallsgb.com
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