Graham Benton RBSA died last year aged 88.

The contents of his studio go under the hammer in Richard Winterton Auctioneers Fine Art Sale on Wednesday, February 15, starting at 9.30am at The Lichfield Auction Centre 

The collection is mostly abstract paintings, many unmistakably inspired by the seascapes of Cornwall – a quintessential subject for Benton, despite his landlocked background.

There are also sketchbooks with figurative works, pen, watercolour and pencil sketches and mixed media on paper and card.

The number of individual pieces of art tally at around 300.

Born in Birmingham, Benton studied painting at Walsall School of Art, Wolverhampton Collage of Art and St Peter’s Loft, St Ives.

The artist is quoted as saying: “The movement of the sea against rock and shore has often been the backbone of the free brushwork in my paintings.”

It was as a Walsall student in 1956 that he first travelled to St Ives – the start of a lifelong love of the landscapes, sea and the artistic communities which have been drawn to Cornwall for 200 years.

David Fergus, art valuer at Richard Winterton Auctioneers, said: “Benton was well-known within the St Ives art community and exhibited at local galleries.

“A member of Walsall Society of Artists, he also rubbed shoulders with some major British artists including Sir Terry Frost, Albert Irvin and John Hoyland.

“Travelling from Walsall to St Ives several times a year throughout his life, it was the dramatic Cornish landscapes which provided the genesis for Benton’s work.

“Starting with paintings and drawings made in St Ives, Benton would return to Walsall where his work would distil into something more abstract – although unmistakably influenced by the landscape of West Penrith.”

Richard Winterton Auctioneers’ Fine Art Sale takes place on Wednesday, February 15, at The Lichfield Auction Centre, Fradley Park, WS13 8NF.

For viewing or valuation enquiries, telephone 01542 406124 or email office@richardwinterton.co.uk. 

Signed drawings by Royal fashion designer Norman Hartnell discovered in the Barton area, including concepts for dresses for Princess Margaret and the Queen Mother read more here. Plus an archive of personal correspondence from poet and novelist Philip Larkin to his cousin in Lichfield. Read more here.

PHOTO CAPTION:

David Fergus, art valuer at Richard Winterton Auctioneers, with some of Graham Benton’s work.