Sale indicates the growing respect for artist's work

PRICES paid at a Tyneside auction for the paintings of a miner's daughter who died at a tragically young age put her at the forefront of 20th century British art, it is claimed.

- TONY HENDERSON

Three works, by Cumbrian artist Sheila Fell, sold for a total of £50,000 including fees at the Anderson & Garland sale in Newcastle.

The paintings, sold by direction of the executors of a Hexham estate, had been purchased by the deceased from the artist. After decades in private hands, they attracted interest from bidders across the UK.

Speaking after the sale, Julian Thomson, director and chairman of Anderson and Garland, said: "The strength of bidding for Sheila Fell confirms her place at the forefront of 20th century British art. These results reflect the growing recognition of her unique vision and the rarity of her work."

Fell exhibited at the Stone Gallery in Newcastle. The Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle and Sunderland Art Gallery hold examples of her paintings.