Success at SWAc Art Auction, Kennaway House

Saturday 4th September 2021

What or who does it need to make the seemingly impossible, possible? A difficult question for difficult times. Vision, courage, the determination to see things through regardless of the odds, the ability to enthuse others and yes, perhaps, a little good fortune?

We are extremely fortunate in our South West Academy of Fine and Applied Arts to have a core of individuals with an abundance of these very positive human qualities. Founder member Alan Cotton and his wife Tricia were the instigators of this Art Auction, held at Kennaway House Sidmouth, on Saturday 4th September 2021, and ably supported by Chairman of the Trustees Phil Creek, Vice Chair Sarah Huline-Dickens, Treasurer Mark Fielding and our new Administrator Vicky Johns.

And so it was that on a sunny Saturday autumn morning, and after several months of plotting and planning, at midday precisely, our friend of the academy and auctioneer par excellence, Robin Barlow brought his hammer down to signal the sale of the first of 67 pieces of original artwork, all generously donated by a wide variety of academy members, friends and supporters.

The aim of the auction was to raise funds to help contribute to the long held dream of Alan and many other members, to provide the first permanent home for our academy. A place where we could hold exhibitions, invite guest speakers, run workshops, and plan social events for our members and friends. Secondly, as an educational charity ourselves, our aim is to support the enhancement of young artists in our region, and also provide financial support, when possible, to other charities. One such charity close to our hearts that we have been involved with for many years, is the Devon based Children’s Hospice South West.
Events of this kind only succeed with the generous help and commitment of an innumerable band of helpers, husbands, wives, partners and young all working quietly and freely in the background. Where do we begin our thanks? A simple ‘You know who you are, doesn’t really cut the mustard does it? Alison Summerfield’s outstanding work over many years with the academy and who on this occasion raised sponsorship for the excellent catalogue, and proof-read the contents in association with the printers; Our superb auctioneer Mr Robin Barlow – a true master of his craft! The marvellous team of volunteers who retrieved the paintings from the upper galleries and during the live auction provided a seamless display on the auctioneer’s easel. Masterful Philip Bate of Calmar Framing who did a fantastic job of framing any of the donated unframed work; Jed Falby and the team of dedicated ‘packers’ who efficiently dealt with the sold items ready for collection.

All the generous contributions of art work from Honorary Academician Ken Howard RA OBE; Our academy’s Hon. Patron, Baroness Floella Benjamin DBE DL; Dame Judi Dench CH DBE, Peter Brown (President of the New English Art Club) and whose painting is displayed on the catalogue cover; Cornwall’s Anthony Frost; BBC’s and Radio Devon’s Judi Spiers; Lydia Corbett (Picasso’s Model); Mike Bernard; Cornwall’s John Piper; Babette Cole; Sean Jefferson; Cathryn Nettles and numerous SWAc members.

Our thanks too for the sterling work of our administrator Vicky Johns and all the helpers at the desk who dealt with all the administrative details. Yours truly recorded the details of the sales and husband Alan took photographs during the live auction. Tricia Cotton was responsible for the major task of liaising with all the artists over a period of several months, gathering and collating all the information and images. Our thanks to Manager Nikki Dawkins and her helpful Kennaway House staff who cleverly managed to continue to serve teas and coffees throughout the auction while juggling a previously booked and totally separate Wedding Day event.

Alan Cotton’s prophesy that, ‘many of you will be taking home a treasured piece of art’ came to fruition with many individuals and several dealers obtaining ready framed art work at absolute bargain prices.

This was our first major ‘happening’ in this beautiful old building in the centre of Sidmouth, and hopefully, the start of many more in the future. Why not join us as friends of the academy or apply to join us as members. Do follow our programmes of future events on our website.

Ann Jones (Ann L Roe) Hon.SWAc