BEAUTIFUL images of bridled bay hunters captivated salegoers at Greenslade Taylor Hunt’s prestigious Autumn Sporting Sale.

The biannual event put together by valuer Stuart Triggol attracts buyers and vendors from around the globe. Greenslade Taylor Hunt is among only a handful of salerooms to run dedicated, stand alone sporting auctions.

There had been much pre-sale interest in two, oil on panel, signed and titled paintings by accomplished animal artist Frances Mabel Hollams.

‘Ione’ was the first to be auctioned at The Octagon Salerooms, East Reach, Taunton. It was a case of phone bidders versus the internet as two telephone lines battled online interest to secure the painting.

Following spirited bidding the net won out with a decisive call of £1,900.

Two phone lines also contested the second study of a bridled bay hunter. Entitled ‘Queen Elizabeth’ this was also signed by the artist. Once again the phone lines missed out and an internet bidder emerged victorious with a bid of £1,800.

A commission bidder bought a third signed Hollams painting – a study of a seated black Labrador, Molly, oil on board went for £350.

There were plenty of other highlights in a comprehensive painting section, which included watercolours, oils, Snaffles, Cecil Aldin and Lionel Edwards prints.

Of local interest was an evocative oil on canvas by Donald Ayres entitled, Weir Water, Exmoor. A room bidder was successful this time and bought the painting for £550.

In addition to paintings there was an interesting section of silver, jewellery, ceramics and decorative items. Among the plethora of lots on offer was a double mounted horse’s hooves inkwell inscribed “Tommy” 8th October 1899. Made by Rowland Ward Limited, Piccadilly, this sold for £220.

A charming Royal Worcester figure of a seated fox sold for £150 and a Beswick figure of a lady in hunt dress made £160.

A room bidder bought photographs of the Sussex County Cricket Team for £160. Showing the range of items on offer - an Italian silk racing scarf by Gucci depicting jockey colours sold for £140.

A pair of oak and antler whip racks sold for £200, while a collection of gilt dress buttons, some by Firmin, for the New Forest Buckhounds sold for £190.

All the items in the fishing section were snapped up by eager buyers.

Entries are now being accepted for the Spring Sporting Sale, which will take place next April. For more information please contact Stuart Triggol at the saleroom on 01823 332525.