Stephen Sparrow

Consigned today - Harold Riley (British 1934-2023), “Salford Boy in a Barrel”, oil on board. One of many star paintings already consigned to the next Northern Art Sale at @Wilson55Auction on the 23rd January. View a preview at wilson55.com @GrimArtGroup #northernart

There’s something of this winter’s cold dull days in Peter Brook’s ‘In the Country’, where the mist, the dominant feature of the painting, hangs over the hillside as it merges into a uniform grey sky, while in the foreground an empty featureless road does little to lift the mood.

‘Pennine Way - Evening Light’ is Peter Brook’s portrayal of the iconic long distance footpath established 60 years ago yesterday. Typically, he depicts one of the less spectacular stretches, relying on a trademark sky to bring the painting to life. (Sold @Wilson55Auction in 2020)

✨💷 Our Coins & Banknotes Sale starts tomorrow, Thursday 17th April, at 11:00am (online) - which means there is still time for you to view and leave bids through our website! Catalogue: wilson55.com/auction/detail… #Auction #CoinSale #GoldCoins #SilverCoins #Cheshire #Numismatics

Our Northern Art Sale is online! Head to our website to view the catalogue Auction Date: Thursday 24th April, 11:00am (online) Viewing Days: 22nd and 23rd April, 10am-4pm Catalogue: wilson55.com/auction/detail… #OnlineAuction #NorthernArt #NorthernArtists #Cheshire #Nantwich

‘Hannah Hauxwell - A Quiet Moment before Setting Off for the Palace 1980’, to attend a royal garden party, is a much gentler portrayal of the life of the lone farmer from Baldersdale than in Peter Brook’s more usual paintings of her in wintertime. (Sold @Wilson55Auction in 2023)

Our Coins & Banknotes Catalogue is online now, head to wilson55.com to view and leave your bids before the live online auction starts on Thursday 17th April at 11:00am #CoinAuction #Banknotes #Sovereign #RoyalMint #Gold #Silver #AncientCoinage

Mad March staggers to its end—lion to lamb, chaos to calm, or just another trick of the calendar. The hares are still running, the madness lingers, and April sharpens its teeth. #MadMarch #RalphSteadman #IdesOfMarch

An apt one from February 2021 to close on today … fantastic, characterful stuff 😍 from one of Oldham’s finest … Go Home to your Wife! by Gordon Radford (1936-2015)

@GrimArtGroup @Wilson55Auction Thanks so much Mr G for your kind words. It’s me equally who’s been honoured to have been able to offer and handle so many stunning works over the years and for you to showcase these and so many others to create such an extraordinary place of solace for so many 🤩👏🏻🎉🖼️

One in honour of @stephensparrow8, who over the years has graciously allowed me to plunder and share works from his regular, stellar #NorthernArt Sales @Wilson55Auction Sincere thanks, Stephen 🫡🙏🏻 Back Street Garage, Manchester by Steven Scholes (b. 1952)

Some of Peter Brook’s later work was not meant to be taken too seriously, like ‘Counting Sheep’, an obvious reference to the traditional cure for insomnia with its line of ewes trooping obligingly in single file past the on-looking Peter and Shep. (Sold @Wilson55Auction in 2023)

Peter Brook often used the man and dog motif to suggest movement in his paintings, but in ‘Waiting for a Break’ he stands sheltering with Shep in the lee of the farmhouse, while the scene is animated by the snow flurries being blown across the sky. (Sold @Wilson55Auction in 2020)

✨ Our Fine & Classic Sale is now online - head to wilson55.com to view the catalogue and start leaving your bids Auction Date: Thursday 3rd April, 11:00am (online) Viewing: Monday 31st March - Wednesday 2nd April, 10am-4pm

INVITING ENTRIES for our upcoming Fine & Classic Sale! The consignment deadline is fast approaching (21st March), so don't wait to book a free auction valuation with one our specialists 📨 auctions@wilson55.com ☎️ 01270 623 878 Online Valuation Form: wilson55.com/auction-valuat…

✨💷 Now accepting consignments for our upcoming Coins & Banknotes Sale! Call us on 01270 623 878 or email auctions@wilson55.com to book your free auction valuation today. Last Consignment Date: Friday 21st March mailchi.mp/wilson55/fine-… #CoinSale #BanknoteAuction #Consignment

Of all the photographers’ work we’ve shared, Bill Brandt’s has always stood out for me. This poignant scene of children caught in a pocket of light against a dark, brooding industrial background has long been a personal favourite. Halifax, 1937 by Bill Brandt (1904-1983)

Another one which is now but a memory😔 #PubArt🍻 Red Lion Pub, Salford (Acrylic on Board) by Peter Stanaway (b.1943)

Ashton Canal, Ancoats, Manchester, 1978.

Romiley, Cheshire, 1916, by Adophe Valette, 1876-1942 (University of Salford). He didn't just paint Manchester.

On a cold damp Sunday afternoon ‘Red Sails in the Sunset’ on Scammonden Dam near Huddersfield is a welcome reminder of warmer brighter weather to come. Typical of Peter Brook’s sense of humour, he is just visible with Shep on board Yacht PB 1999. (Sold @Wilson55Auction in 2023)