EVOCATIVE and closely observed paintings by Bill Bell of heavy industry and people going about their daily life now form part of many public and private art collections.
The Askam district features strongly in the work of the Ireleth-based artist, who lived from 1928 to 2006, and the industries of Barrow, where he was a shipyard foreman.
Three of his oil paintings are included in the sale by Bearnes Hampton and Littlewood of Exeter on October 4 to 5.
One called Winters Grip Askam-in-Furness is expected to sell for £100 to £200 and is thought to be looking towards Sharp Street from Beach Street.
Another with the title The Migrants has a similar pre-sale estimate and might show Moor Road, Ireleth, heading towards the reservoirs.
The third Bill Bell picture in the sale is called Glasgow Central and shows passengers at the Scottish railway station.
It is expected to sell for £300 to £500.
Mr Bell was a former president of the Barrow Society of Artists and exhibited his work widely, including at the Royal Academy London and the Royal Scottish Academy.
The sale from September 28 to 30 by Bamfords Auctioneers, of Derby, has a painting of Gate Crag, Borrowdale, by Harold Gresley, who lived from 1892 to 1967.
It is expected to sell for £200 to £300 A pair of dolls in the army uniforms of the Second World War must be among the more unusual souvenirs of Ulverston-born comic actor Stan Laurel and his screen partner Oliver Hardy.
The pot and cloth dolls are expected to sell for £60 to £100 in the sale from September 29 to 30 by Gerrards Auction Rooms at Lytham St Annes.
Today’s, Saturday, September 24, sale by Hartleys of Ilkley has an autographed photograph of the famous comedy duo with a dedication saying “Hello Elsie”.
It should sell for £150 to £250.
A single-owner fountain pen collection in 480 lots is being sold on Monday, September 26, by 1818 Auctioneers at the J36 Saleroom at Crooklands, near Kendal.
Among the items is a Conway Stewart Churchill fountain pen with cigar, booklet and ink which should make £150 to £200.
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