McTear's latest Interiors Auction got us thinking...

Our Interiors Auction that took place this morning got us thinking about some household items that sold for slightly more than your average decorative pieces. There are plenty of examples but we've selected a few that we think you'll find interesting:

Jackson Pollock’s painting “Number 5, 1948" which sold for around $140 million in a private sale in 2006 is among the most expensive paintings to be sold. Pollock - who was born in 1912 - was an American painter and a prominent figure in the Abstract Expressionist movement. He was famous for placing his canvasses on the floor or wall, creating his artwork by simply dripping paint from a can and altering it with objects including sticks and knives.

Pablo Picasso’s painting "Nude, Green Leaves and Bust" 1932 sold for around $106.5 million at Christie’s New York in 2010. Picasso’s colourful masterpiece is said to be the most expensive painting ever sold at auction. It exhibits the abstract and beautiful characters which are common in Picasso’s famous paintings.  

This unusual and striking “Badminton Cabinet” sold in 2004 for $36 million at an auction in America. This Florentine ebony chest inlaid with amethyst quartz, agate, lapis lazuli and other stones was named after Badminton in England where it remained for nearly two centuries.

McTear's have three interior auctions coming up in February on the 3rd, 10th and the 17th. 

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McTear's offer £10k Reward Following Theft of Jewels

Following a high value theft at McTear's earlier this week, we are offering a reward of up to £10k for information that leads to the return of the stolen jewels.

Thieves broke in to McTear's in the early hours of Tuesday 17th January taking approximately 300 items of jewellery - worth approximately £430,000 - in the raid.

Brian Clements, Managing Director at McTear’s said: “A number of our clients lost items in the theft and we want to do everything we can to recover the jewellery and return these unique pieces to their rightful owners.

“We are working closely with Strathclyde Police and the independent charity Crimestoppers as the inquiry continues and we are hopeful that the reward will help to uncover some additional information that will help the authorities to identify and prosecute those involved.”

The stolen jewellery includes ladies' rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Pictures of the items can be found on our Facebook page

Anyone with any information on this robbery or the suspects is asked to contact Govan CID on 0141 532 5400. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 – they won’t ask who you are, all they want is what you know.

James Kay's view of the Clyde

McTear's latest Fine and Contemporary Pictures auction featured many works of art from far and wide. This oil on board and gouache on paper however, are a little closer to home. These two pieces by James Kay are an excellent example of his dynamic and colourful signature style and show the roots of his inspiration - life in the city and along the Clyde.

Painting scenes of steamers, fishing boats and square workers working along the Clyde, James Kay developed a notoriety for his dynamic and lively scenes, painting cities and markets across Europe. Some of his most collectable work was accomplished in Brittany and France. Working in a variety of mediums, Kay masterfully develops strong composition and engaging colour palette that is recognisably his own.

Lot 100A: James Kay RSA RSW (Scottish 1858 - 1942)

‘Saut Main’ gouache on paper, 52cm x 62.5cm

Hammer: £1400

Lot 100B: James Kay RSA RSW (Scottish 1858 - 1942)
'La Plage, Dieppe' oil on board, 26cm x 36cm

Hammer: £3400

Click here to view all the hammer prices from our Fine and Contemporary Pictures Auction

Extremely Rare Dalmore Sirius up for Auction at McTear's

With only 12 bottles of the Dalmore Sirius ever released, it's no surprise that some whisky experts believe this extremely rare amber nectar could sell for up to £25,000.

Distilled in 1951, Dalmore's Sirius vintage is a single-cask, single Highland malt whisky, with a cask strength of 45%. This special tipple has been described by the lucky few who have sampled it as displaying aromas of intense citrus and honeyed chocolate with a palate of toffee apples, spice, dark chocolate and almonds.

However, collector Robbie Davidson - who has had this particular bottle since its release in 2009 - said he is definitely not going to break the seal although he has heard "the Dalmore Sirius is stunning."Sealed in a crystal decanter, the whisky also comes with a hand written letter from Dalmore Master Distiller, Richard Paterson.

Speaking in 2009, Mr Paterson said of Dalmore Sirius, "Distinguished and elegant, age has gracefully finessed this brilliant expression. Sirius is, quite simply, one of the world's most perfect whiskies."

You can view the full auction catalogue for our Rare & Collectable Whisky and Wine auction on January 18th here

Tam O Shanter rides into McTear's!

An oil painting by one of Scotland's leading artists which depicts a scene from a famous Robert's Burns poem is up for auction at McTear's. Tam O Shanter by Graham McKean shows Tam being attacked by a witch as he rides horseback through Alloway Kirk after a night in the pub.

An avid fan of Burns, McKean has been flirting with the idea of this painting for six years but only felt able to do the work justice now he has had more experience as a professional artist. Talking of the oil on canvas - which is expected to sell at between £4000 and £6000 - McKean said:

"Tam O Shanter is obviously one of Burns' most well-known and well-loved poems. I've heard and read the poem many times over the years, and I've always had a picture in my head of the witch grabbing onto Meg the horse, while Tam is looking back in terror.

I felt now was the right time to do it as I just didn't feel I was good enough before. I really feel I have created a painting that I can proudly call a celebration of the poem."

Tam O Shanter will be in McTear's Fine and Contemporary Pictures auction on Tuesday 17th January 2012.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year from everyone at McTear's! Now that we're back at work, there is much work to be done for all our January auctions. To get the ball rolling we have our Interiors auction on Friday 13th, followed by Fine and Contemporary Pictures on the17th and Rare & Collectable Whisky and Wine alongside Fine Jewellery, Watches and Coins on 18th January.

Bringing in the end of the month we have Vintage Clocks and Watches and British and Continental Ceramics and Glass as well as Furniture, Works of Art, Clocks & Watches on 19th January.

To celebrate 2012 in style, we have ourselves a brand new website! Join the discussion on Facebook and let us know what you think.

http://www.mctears.co.uk/