Middleton Painting Auctions for $71,500 at Richard D. Hatch & Associates Sale
Published October 27th, 2008
An original oil painting by the renowned Irish artist Colin Middleton (1910-1983), titled Teresa and executed in 1947, sold for $71,500 at a multi-estate sale held Sept. 26-27 by Richard D. Hatch & Associates. The painting was the top lot in an auction that grossed just under $500,000 and saw over 1,400 lots change hands. Over 250 people attended the two-day event in person.
Middleton was probably the most eclectic Irish painter of the 20th century, moving easily between Cubist, Surrealist and Expressionistic styles. He was self-taught and prolific, producing hundreds of works in the 1930s alone. At a Hatch auction held last year, two of Middleton’s works sold for $70,000 each. Teresa was expected to fetch about $50,000, but bidding was lively and competitive.
“Considering the current state of the economy, compounded by a local gas shortage, this sale was nothing short of amazing,” said Richard D. Hatch. “The turnout was wonderful. It was one of our finest sales ever, with an outstanding selection of merchandise from many estates. The gallery (located at 913 Upward Rd. in Flat Rock, N.C.) was loaded with fine art, art glass, silver, porcelains and more.”
In addition to the in-house crowd, 95 people bid by phone or absentee bids, and 1,130 registered bidders participated online, via LiveAuctioneers.com and eBayLiveAuctions.com. Museum-quality artwork dominated the event, led by important works of Irish art from the estate of Alan Breedon Malcolm Brush, born in Ireland in 1918. Mr. Hatch liquidated much of Mr. Brush’s estate last year.
Richard D. Hatch & Associates’ next big sale, planned for the weekend of Nov. 21-22, will be the annual Asian & Oriental Auction.
The firm is accepting quality consignments for this and all future sales. To consign an item, an estate or a collection, you may call (828) 696-3440, or e-mail them at hatchauctioninfo@yahoo.com.
To learn more, visit them online at www.richardhatchauctions.com
