Bonhams Presents Scottish Art Sale Featuring Masterworks by David Roberts and Anne Redpath

The upcoming Scottish Art auction at Bonhams highlights the rich legacy of the nation's painterly traditions, featuring an array of works that span from nineteenth-century architectural precision to mid-century modernism. Scheduled to end on 22 October 2026, the sale is anchored by a major historical canvas by David Roberts RA, View of Donaldson's Hospital from the North West (1851). Roberts, whom art historian James Caw characterized as the foremost British worker in the architectural genre, painted this oil on canvas at the height of his career. It was originally commissioned by the building's architect, W.H. Playfair, and later held by The Donaldson's Trust. Alongside this masterwork, the auction features Anne Redpath's vibrant Market - Gran Canaria, a large-scale board painting with a richly intense palette that reflects the confidence of her later work. Gifted by the artist to her physician, Dr. Ralph Kauntze, the painting has remained in the same family for over six decades.

The sale also features John Maclauchlan Milne's Sannox Bay, a fine example of his Arran paintings. Sannox Bay was located less than three miles from where the artist lived at High Corrie on the east coast of the island of Arran, where he resided from 1940/41 until near the end of his life. Another notable historical lot is Sir John Lavery's A Milkmaid, dated 1889. The sitter was associated with the Glasgow Art Club's Grand Costume Ball at St Andrew's Hall in November 1889, a momentous occasion held in aid of the Scottish Artists' Benevolent Association.

This auction follows several notable sales on the house's recent calendar. In October, Bonhams concluded its Online Jewellery, London sale, which realized £329,940^[1] with 140 lots sold. The house also held the Exceptional Cuvées from a Distinguished Private Collector sale in October, which brought in £394,779^[1] across 304 lots sold. Additionally, the 20th and 21st Century Art Day Sale in October realized £1,878,430^[1] with 46 lots sold.

In the broader market context, Bonhams has achieved a total of $421,031,746^[1] across all its sales globally this year. Within the highly competitive art category, tracked houses have realized a total of $2,663,973,926^[1] this year, maintaining an average sell-through rate of 82.3%^[1], with Christie's leading the category. Across all categories year to date, Bonhams has realized £112,874,665^[1], maintaining a sell-through rate of 79.9%^[1].