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Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Story of short-lived but thriving village art school revealed as works are auctioned
Today's Object of the Week is a collection of paintings with links to a 19th century art colony based in a North Yorkshire fishing village. A rare collection of vibrant British Impressionist paintings linked to artistic communities in North Yorkshire is to be auctioned. The artworks, related to the flourishing communities of Staithes and Fylingdales, near Whitby, will be up for sale at Tennants Auctioneers, based in Leyburn, North Yorkshire, on July 12. The collection comprises pieces by notable artists Florence Hess and her mentor, Mark Senior, which have been owned by one family since they were created. The vendor's great-grandmother, one Mrs Sykes, worked as a cook for the Hess family in Leeds in the early 20th century. Her daughter, who often accompanied her to work, became a close friend of Florence Hess. The Florence Hess painting, Picnic by the Sea, has an estimate of £7,000-10,000. Hess became a member of the Fylingdales Group based on the North Yorkshire Moors (Image: TENNANTS AUCTIONEERS) Their friendship lasted for years, with Hess gifting her friend numerous paintings on special occasions. Born in Leeds, Florence Adelina Hess (1891-1974) was a student at Leeds College of Art, where she was taught by Mark Senior (1862-1927). Senior was a leading member of the Staithes School of artists, known for their inspiration from the French Impressionists and their depiction of everyday life. The Staithes Group was formed in the picturesque North Yorkshire coastal village in 1894. The group consisted of more than 30 artists, including Gilbert Foster, Fred Jackson, and Senior, who had been working in the area since about 1880. For the next 30 years, the Yorkshire coastline became the focal point for the artists who took inspiration from the French Impressionists, painting en plein air and capturing the lives of everyday people. As Senior's most notable pupil and assistant, and having accompanied him on numerous painting trips to Staithes and the continent, the influence of Senior's free-flowing and spontaneous style is evident in Hess's own work. Hess herself became a member of the Fylingdales Group based on the North Yorkshire Moors, and in 1928, she visited the Cornish artists' colony in Mother and Child in a Sun-Drenched Garden by Florence Hess has an estimate of £4,000-6,000. Hess studied at Leeds College of Art under tutor Mark Senior (Image: TENNANTS AUCTIONEERS) Some notable pieces from the collection include Hess's 'Picnic by the Sea,' estimated to be worth between £7,000 and £10,000, and 'Mother and Child in a Sun-Drenched Garden,' valued at between £4,000 and £6,000. There are also smaller works by the artist, with estimates starting at £180. Mark Senior's work in the collection includes 'The Beach,' a piece inscribed on the reverse with "from Mark Senior to Florence Hess". The Staithes Group's success ultimately led to its downfall. There was no location large enough to hold a growing number of canvases, and the August exhibitions clashed with the Royal Academy's Summer Exhibition. Additionally, there weren't enough wealthy patrons in the North East to support the artists' ambitions. After 1907, the group disbanded, and the artists pursued individual futures. The Fred Lawson paining, titled 'October Fair, Leyburn', also featues in the auction with an estimate of £500-800 (Image: TENNANTS AUCTIONEERS) In addition to the Hess and Senior collection, a selection of Yorkshire works from the collection of Alfred A Haley of Walton, Wakefield, will also be on sale at Tennants. Haley, a wealthy mill owner, was a significant patron of Yorkshire artists, buying their work and forming friendships with many. Recommended walking The incredible story behind the ship left abandoned on the banks of the River Wear What connects Henry VIII, Daniel Defoe and a duck and to Hell's Kettles near Darlington? How did this County Durham town become an unlikely centre for swordmaking? He was also an amateur painter and honorary member of the Staithes School. Highlights from his collection include 'October Fair, Leyburn' by Fred Lawson, estimated at between £500 and £800, "Betty" by Jacob Kramer, worth between £600 and £900, and 'Wood Waggoners, Wharfedale' by Herbert Royle, estimated at between £500 and £800. All figures exclude buyers' premium.
Daily Mirror
29-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Fishing town named one of Europe's 'hidden gems' that many don't know about
Nestled between two rugged cliffs in Yorkshire above the North Sea - a nice stroll in Staithes feels like you've stumbled upon some idealised version of coastal living A delightful UK fishing village has recently been dubbed one of Europe's 'hidden gems'. In a fresh compilation by European Best Destinations, Staithes in North Yorkshire was featured alongside Pico Island in the Azores, the vibrant villages of Villajoyosa in Spain and the floating houses of Lake Bokod in Hungary as one of the continent's 18 most unique and underappreciated attractions. If you've ever had the pleasure of visiting, as I did recently, you'll certainly comprehend why. Tucked between two craggy cliffs overlooking the North Sea, a leisurely wander in Staithes feels like you've chanced upon an idyllic depiction of coastal life. I was even fortunate enough to experience a bit of picture-perfect sunshine during my brief yet memorable visit, writes the Mirror's Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas. Staithes is the very town that birthed world explorer Captain Cook, but it now boasts a range of artistic shops, inviting pubs and top-notch restaurants. One fantastic way to reach this destination is to trek a few miles along the dramatic North Yorkshire coastline from Saltburn. From this vantage point, you can gaze down at the quaint fishing cottages nestled below, before descending into the village to explore its offerings. Immediately, you'll observe a strong focus on arts and crafts in the area - a nod to its history as home to the Staithes Group, a collective of 19th-century painters attracted by the town's fishing traditions and maritime lifestyle. While modern life has evolved, the artistic vibe remains intact. In the local Staithes Gallery, I found myself captivated by contemporary artworks inspired by coastal living. The town is also peppered with quaint gift shops and subtle public art installations. Despite its compact size, Staithes is far less crowded than neighbouring Whitby and even quieter than Robin Hood's Bay, another charming fishing village just along the coast. This allowed me to leisurely stroll down to the harbourside where the Cod and Lobster pub provides an opportunity for a swift pint overlooking the beach and, reportedly, some excellent seafood. One of the town's charms is how it's bisected by the Staithes Beck river, offering a picturesque walk along the beach before ascending the steps and rounding the corner, all while remaining waterside with the cliffs in full view. There's also a climb back into the cliffs on the north side of the river, affording stunning views of the town, beach and sea. I lodged a brief car journey away in Whitby, but if you're considering an overnight stay, there's an abundance of bed and breakfasts available, some situated right next to the beach. I'd definitely recommend spending the night if possible. We have numerous charming seaside locations in Britain that perhaps we don't appreciate enough - Staithes might just be the most delightful of them all - so it's heartening to see that recognition is now coming from beyond our shores.
