A Toast to Burns and Bellany as 2023 Gets Underway

If McTear’s January line-up is a sign of things to come, then we are in for an outstanding year at Scotland’s leading independent auction house.

The 2023 auction calendar will kick off with the Gold, Silver & Bronze: Coins for the Collector auction on Thursday 12 January. Amongst the impressive selection of sovereigns and krugerrands on offer will be The Magnificent Seven Gold Coin set. Comprising rare gold coins from across the globe, the set is estimated to fetch up to £2,500.

Continuing the precious metal theme, McTear’s New Year Jewellery Collection - also on 12 January - will feature a stunning 18ct gold Cartier diamond love bangle. The spectacular piece, which could make the perfect Valentine’s gift, comes complete with an exquisite 18ct gold screwdriver and has an estimate of £4,000 to £6,000.

Rounding off the 12 January sale day is The Complete Watches Collection. Timepieces from Rolex, Omega, Breitling and Mont Blanc will be on display, with a beautiful £5,000 Breitling for Bentley stainless wristwatch headlining the 75 lot auction.

The catalogue for The Scottish Contemporary Art Auction on Thursday 19 January underlines McTear’s position as the premiere destination for collectors of Scottish contemporary art.  John Bellany’s the Braw Lads of Eyemouth, which is one of the artist’s most personal works to come to auction in recent years, is offered at £6,000 to £9,000, with other high profile names including Peter Howson, Jolomo, Gerard Burns, Graham McKean and Ethel Walker also featuring in the 225 lot sale. 

With Burns Night looming large, McTear’s is offering the opportunity to bid on arguably the most famous illustrations of the Bard’s epic 1790 poem, Tam o’ Shanter. The five tempera works by renowned Walt Disney and Hanna Barbera illustrator, Joe Shearer, are offered at £500 to £800 each. The Ayr born artist was a lifelong fan of Robert Burns and is widely regarded as a key influence on Alexander Goudie’s epic 54 painting collection of Burns works.

No Burns Night would be complete without a dram or two and McTear’s has assembled an exemplary selection of rare single malts to savour during the recitals. Examples from Macallan, Highland Park, Springbank, Bowmore and many more will feature in the Whisky: Toasting the New Year auction, with a Macallan 1966 25 year old anniversary malt expected to fetch up to £4,000.

Advice on selling art, antiques, jewellery, watches, coins, whisky and more is free and without obligation. Entries are invited for all our 2023 specialist sales. To discuss consigning to a McTear's auction, make an appointment to visit our Glasgow Galleries or contact a specialist by clicking this link and completing the short form.