An eclectic mix of works from some of Cornwall’s most notable artists will be auctioned for charity at the Exchange in Penzance next month. More than 60 artists from across the county have donated a range of works, including paintings, etchings and sculptures, to help raise funds for Cornwall Hospice Care

Great British Life: Linda Weir - High Days & Holidays St IvesLinda Weir - High Days & Holidays St Ives (Image: Archant)

Great British Life: Nancy Bailey - African ElephantsNancy Bailey - African Elephants (Image: Archant)

Sarah Newton, Event Organiser, said: “This is an evening not to be missed by art lovers. We are delighted that we have been given works by some of Cornwall’s most talented artists including Anthony Frost, Gill Watkiss, Nancy Bailey, Linda Weir, Simeon Stafford, Tim Shaw RA and Michael Strang.

“We hope this high quality auction will raise thousands of pounds to help fund the specialist clinical care and support that we provide to people living with life limiting illnesses in Cornwall.”

Among the 70 plus works to go under the hammer will be ‘Half Term Holiday’, an oil on board framed and signed work by Simeon Stafford, a painter who fuses the influence of his northern roots with the magnetism of West Penwith.

Anthony Frost, who is noted for his abstract works that pulsate with a beat and rhythm akin to the alternative rock music that often inspires them, has donated ‘Bleached Blues’, an artist’s proof screen print.

An oil landscape by Kerris, who has been described as the Cornish Constable, is also in the sale together with ‘African Elephants’, by the late Nancy Bailey, who once painted with the renowned wildlife artist David Shepherd.

Buyers will also be able to bid for artwork by Linda Weir whose distinctive style develops from her rush to capture the moving changes. Michael Strang, who specialises in oil paintings of seascapes, landscapes, portraits and flowers, Gill Watkiss whose paintings evoke instantly vivid memories of Cornish localities forever captured in a time frame, and drawings by Tim Shaw, elected as an Academician at the Royal Academy last year, who has been described as one of the great storytellers of British art.

The auction is being held on Saturday 3rd May and the auctioneer is David Lay, of David Lay Auctions in Penzance. Viewings are on Friday 2nd May from 10am-5pm and on Saturday from 10am- 3pm. On the evening, doors open at 7pm with the auction starting at 8pm.

There is a £3 entry fee which includes a printed catalogue, a glass of bubbly and canapés. Entertainment will be provided by the Four Tunes Saxophone Quartet.

“Our last art auction, in 2011 raised £16,000 for the charity and we hope that this auction will be just as successful. We would like to extend our gratitude to everyone who has given support to make this event happen” added Sarah.

For more information please contact Sarah Newton on 01736 755770. The catalogue will be available on line from mid April at the Cornwall Hospice Care website: www.cornwallhospicecare.co.uk or from The Exchange and Newlyn Gallery.