Paintings of Barrow's steel works to be auctioned at Mitchells

Two historically important watercolours of Barrow's Haematite Steel Company in 1874 are to be sold at Mitchells in Cockermouth next week during their Antiques & Fine Art Sale from Wednesday March 22 to Friday March 24.

The large watercolours were painted by the notable Victorian artist George Henry Andrews RA (1816-1898). 

Signed and dated 1874, they have hung on the walls of a solicitors office in London for nearly 150 years since they were first created until recently being sent to Mitchells to be auctioned on the recommendation of the Abbott and Holder art gallery in London. 

Such is their historical significance, the paintings were previously photographed to illustrate a book about nineteenth century industry by the British author and historian Sir David Cannadine, currently Professor of History at Princeton University.

Measuring 49cm x 107cm each and still in their original frames, Lot 561 depicts 'Barrow Haematite Steel Company' and shows the blast furnaces which were used for converting the rich iron ore mined from the nearby Lake District fells. 

Lot 562 shows the Bessemer steel sheds and rolling mills and the stocks of rails that were the main product manufactured at that time to supply the booming railway industry. 

Bessemer Steel Sheds (Image: Mitchells)

Both watercolours measure 49cm x 107cm and are still in their original gilt frames. The auctioneers expect the paintings to sell for £500-£800 each and they will be up for auction during the morning of Thursday March 23, the second day of Mitchells Antiques & Fine Art Sale next week . 

Mitchells valuer David Brookes said: "These watercolours are a wonderful insight into the workings of the Barrow steelworks, showing a slice of industrial and social history of Barrow in the Victorian age. They offer a rare opportunity to buy your own window on the past." 

Other items for sale of local interest include sixty artworks by the celebrated Cumbrian artist Percy Kelly (1918-1993) from the private collection of his friend Joan David comprising illustrated letters, envelopes and small artworks with estimates ranging from £200-£1,500 per lot.  A fully illustrated catalogue is available at www.the-saleroom.com/Mitchells where salegoers can also bid online during the auction.