Paintings and Works on Paper

Old Masters to Modern and Contemporary
Every June and December we hold auctions of Fine Paintings, Works on Paper and Sculpture with estimates from £500 to several thousands. We are particularly proud of identifying a painting by Sir William Nicholson, “Mixed Flowers in a Black Jug”, which went on to fetch a world auction record of £200,000. In March and October, we hold online-only auctions of pictures and sculpture attractively priced from £50 upwards.

From the studio sales
We are proud to have pioneered a new auction category. Our “From the artists’ studio” sales includes works by deceased artists each representing a different aspect of Modern British Art. Though their reputations dimmed somewhat when they ceased to exhibit, there is now, 30, 40 or 50 years after their deaths, a revival of interest in these once-famous names. Our sales in March and October are an opportunity to buy works direct from the easels, shelves, drawers and walls of their studios while prices are still affordable and as their reputations are once again on the rise.

Single-owner collections
We particularly enjoy researching, curating and presenting single-owner collections and Drawings and Watercolours from the Iolo Williams Collection was a 2024 highlight. We captured the generous spirit of this pre-eminent connoisseur by inviting today’s leading collectors to a series of special views, produced a scholarly catalogue, and were delighted that 92% of the collection sold with a total hammer price of £89,150, over twice the estimate.

Adrian Biddell
Adrian Biddell comes to us with vast experience after 27 years at Sotheby’s, first in Impressionists, then as head of 19th century European Paintings. Adrian is highly regarded throughout the art world by museums, private collectors and fellow experts and is assisted at Olympia Auctions by a team of equally renowned specialists. He is a sparkling auctioneer and loves taking charity auctions.