Watch out, there are auctions about. Admittedly not the poster extravaganzas which are Christies and Van Sabben, but auctions nonetheless. First under the microscope is GWRA in Leamington on May 19th. This is a railwayana auction which means that there is an awful lot of this kind of thing.
Chris Watkiss, 1952
Along with even more of this kind of thing too.
Harry Riley, 1957
Harry Riley, 1960
Like all railwayana auctions there are, infuriatingly, no estimates whatsoever. But the catalogue compiler does seem to have been getting a bit enthusiastic. The top poster, for example is ‘arguably the best of” all Bath posters, while the bottom one is ‘ one of the best seaside posters from the 1950’s’. While,. the posters are quite nice, I could still have an argument with both of those statements but can’t work up the energy today. Please go right ahead if you would like to.
In amongst the hyperbole, though, one or two items worthy of note. My opening offer to you is a somewhat grubby Eckersley.
Tom Eckersley, 1961
This is in slightly better condition and will probably fetch a lot less in Leamington Spa than it would have done at Christies or Sotherans.
Leonard, n/d
While this one I just love.
PG, 1961
That has to be worth a punt of someone’s money, doesn’t it?
Meanwhile, in Norwich can I present the auction with the longest and most convoluted title ever:
Tinplate and Diecast Toys, Rare Early Documents and Newspaper Editions, Railwayana, Posters, Uniforms, Silver and Watches.
The auctioneers are James and Sons, and it takes place on May 5th.
In amongst that heterogeneous selection of, well, stuff, there is one little gem, by Hans Schleger, aka Zero.
Hans Schleger, 1960s, est. £30-40
I like that a great deal. It’s pretty much the only interesting poster they have, although I am starting to develop a sneaking affection for this one too.
Hasler, 1960, est. £25 – 50.
What makes it worth more than the Zero, though, I do not know. Do you?