Richard Kay, Director and Picture specialist at Lawrences Auctioneers in Somerset boasts over 38 years of experience and has built an impressive career in the art world, driven by a deep passion for art that began at university.
“I went to university at St Andrews to read French and philosophy. I had to do an additional subject and chose history of art. I loved it so much more than I expected that at the end of my second year I gave up French and philosophy to pursue a history of art degree and I have never had a moment’s regret about doing so.
In the mid-1980s the art market was beginning to take off in terms of volume and turnover and auction houses were recruiting. After university, I discovered the auction world during the summer holiday of 1985 when I spent nine weeks working for the Sotheby’s valuation office in Bournemouth under George Kidner, a superb valuer who went on to start his own auction house in Lymington. They gave me lots of opportunities, rather like an apprentice, doing valuations, home visits, research on paintings and artists. I never had a dull day, not for a second. I left Sotheby’s for Phillips in 1995 to do picture valuations, then joined Lawrence’s in 1999.
Lawrences hosts three main Fine Art auctions annually, together with themed and timed online sales, showcasing a wide range of artwork from the 15th century to modern times and includes prints, oils and watercolours at all price levels. The majority of what we see is what you would expect to find in the collections of people who live in this part of the world – late 17th, 18th and 19th century paintings, and a lot of 18th century portraits. Sometimes you can walk into a grand country house and find very little of merit in it; occasionally you could walk into a nice cottage tucked away in a rural village and within it there will be the most extraordinary things that are museum quality.
Over 38 years in the business, there have been a great many highlights. One notable example includes the discovery of a 17th-century painting by Cornelis de Man, which was auctioned for £162,500, far exceeding its initial estimate of £10,000-£15,000.”
He finds satisfaction not only in the high values but also in revealing hidden truths about artworks for owners who often have no idea of their treasures’ worth.
“I’ve often said that one of the sights I most like to see coming across the Lawrences carpark is someone holding a black bin liner with something rectangular in it. The owners want to know whether it is worth anything and when I say, well yes, it’s worth £10,000, that’s really satisfying. But it’s not always about giving a high value, they just like to know that the picture Uncle George bought all those years ago turns out to be rather good and that he had a good eye. There are always conversations to be had and it is genuinely interesting to talk to collectors about what they have bought or wish to buy; what they’ve inherited; and giving advice on whether to keep it and enjoy it or to consider selling it.”
Richard values the personal connections with clients, helping them discover the significance of inherited pieces or advising on potential acquisitions. His passion lies in both the art itself and the stories that surround it, making his work both rewarding and engaging. To find out the value of your art, simply upload an image, along with any additional information online at lawrences.co.uk or contact Richard directly and he will guide you through the valuation process and answer any questions you may have. Home visits are also available without charge or obligation throughout the West Country and beyond.
E. richard.kay@lawrences.co.uk
T. 01460 73041