Stars of the reedbed - and stars of the saleroom! Bumper price achieved for Harrison painting of Marsh Harriers

 

This captivating painting of two Marsh Harriers in a watery habitat exceeded expectations when it went under the hammer at an auction held yesterday in Leyburn, North Yorkshire. Before the sale, auction house Tennants estimated that the study, by John Harrison (1898-1985), would achieve a  price of between  £300 and £500, but the bidding reached £1,300  before the hammer fell. The identity of the successful bidder has not been revealed, but his good taste is to be commended.