1.The 20th century painter John Miller (1931-2002), best known for his idyllic pared-down depictions of glowing Cornish beaches and deep blue skies, adopted a variety of styles throughout his career. This 11 x 17in (28 x 44cm) scene in oils, Beach Boys, Greece, 1980, improved on pre-sale hopes at Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood in Exeter on July 21.
2. This signed 20 x 2ft 5in (50 x 74cm) oil of houses by a canal in Oxford was one of Bernard Dunstan’s (1920-2017) first exhibits at The Royal Academy (at the time of his death, he was the longest-serving Royal Academician). It was purchased from the RA by Sir Henry Rushbury in 1946 for his own private collection and cropped up at Lawrences of Crewkerne in Somerset on July 24.
3. One of Scottish art’s more obscure names, William Wells (1872-1923) studied at the Slade and Bouguereau and Ferrier in Paris before settling at Appledore, north Devon, painting rural scenes until his death aged 51. His favourite compositional motif was a peasant girl set against an open landscape and a low skyline, typified by this 11½ x 17½in (29.5 x 44.5cm) oil on board which nearly doubled hopes at Chorley’s in Prinknash Abbey Park on July 22.
Prices do not include buyer’s premium
