Auctions aren’t all about antique furniture and Old Masters. Our upcoming sale on May 26 has some delightful coastal scenes by an exceptional contemporary artist, writes Charles Hanson

Auctions aren’t all about antique furniture and Old Masters. Our upcoming sale on May 26 has some delightful coastal scenes by an exceptional contemporary artist, writes Charles Hanson

Nothing gives me as much pleasure as an evocative work or art – something you can look at day after day which never fails to bring a smile to one’s lips.

One painter who fills the brief in spades is the contemporary artist Rebecca Lardner whose whimsical artworks combine the humour of Beryl Cook with the insight of LS Lowry.

So I was delighted when four of her works, including one oil painting, were consigned for sale from a gentleman collector in Marazion. 

Her coastal towns so evocative – you can almost hear the caw of the seagulls and smell the vinegary fish and chips on the sea breeze. 

In one print Fisherman’s Friend a small white dog, wearing a bandana, sits by a ball waiting patiently for his owner to join the seaside frolics beyond the window.

Most of her harbour scenes, in her trademark palette of blues, greens and greys, are inspired by the coastline of south-west England, including the iconic Jurassic Coast.

But rather than dramatic, fearsome seascapes, her focus is on traditional British fishing villages, its harbours and bustling inhabitants.

Lardner was born in Swanage in 1971, the daughter of a gamekeeper and spent an idyllic childhood exploring the Dorset countryside.

After studying at Bournemouth and Poole College of Art and Design she earned a BA in illustration at Sir John Moore’s University in Liverpool.

She went on to build a successful career as an illustrator, fulfilling commissions for a high-profile clients including Paul McCartney’s Music Academy.

In 2010 she was awarded the Fine Art Trade Guild’s best-selling British artist award, and you don’t get that prestigious gong without a dedicated fan base.

Today her work appears in galleries around the UK, Europe and the USA attracting collectorsfrom all over the world.

For me it’s the energy of her scenes that I find most appealing.

I love her vibrant ensemble cast of figures and boats, with animals – from dogs to sea birds – taking pride of place in the foreground.

She also captures an infectious joie de vivre, with the harbour itself acting as a comforting arm around its visitors.

Finally, a reminder of a date for your diary. I will join other members of the team from our Penzance saleroom on Tuesday May 12.

We are carrying out two free valuations on that day with the first session, from 10am-noon is at the Penventon Park Hotel, Redruth in Cornwall and the second, from 2pm-4pm, at Jamaica Inn, Bolventor, Bodmin Moor. 

If you have a hidden treasure you have ever wondered about – whether its history, age or value – bring it along.

It would be wonderful to see you and, you never know, you might he sitting on an auction windfall. If you can’t make either of these events pop into our saleroom on Penzance Harbour, or call 01736 339350.

Auction Details

Auction: Cornwall May Antiques Auction to include Jewellery, Silver & Watches, with Collectors & Asian
Auction date: 26th May 2026 | 10am
Location: Hansons Cornwall Saleroom
Auction contact: service@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk
Catalogue/bidding: www.hansonslive.co.uk | www.the-saleroom.com

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