A PAINTING sold at auction in Taunton 20 years ago is returning to the same saleroom to go under the hammer once again.

The Lionel Edwards oil painting, bought by a Northamptonshire client from Greenslade Taylor Hunt’s salerooms in 2001, is making a welcome return to the town.

The oil on board, signed by the artist, has a pre-sale estimate of £2,500 to £3,500.

It features Ernest Bawden, a huntsman of the Devon and Somerset Staghounds descending a combe near Chalkwater.

It is one of the stand out lots in the Spring Sporting Sale, which will take place on Thursday, April 15, at The Octagon Salerooms, in East Reach, Taunton, following the conclusion of the monthly antiques sale.

The family of Denis Aldridge consigned the picture to the auctioneers in 2001.

Denis first met Lionel Edwards (1878-1966) in Porlock in 1924. They remained lifelong friends and corresponded regularly.

Following the original sale in 2001 the painting, together with an article on Ernest Bawden, was featured in the Hounds magazine of October 2001.

Also sure to attract much interest at the April sale is a Donald Ayres oil on board of an Exmoor hunt scene looking South towards Oare, estimated at £300 to £500.

In the watercolour section a work by Cecil Aldin is sure to be keenly sought.

It depicts ‘The Glasgow and London Royal Mail Coach’ pulled by a team of four and contained in a wide Art Nouveau style frame fitted with coat and hat hooks is sure to be keenly sought.

Elsewhere in this sale a large collection of early, signed cricketing photographs is sure to bowl bidders over.

For further details of this auction please call Stuart Triggol, sporting sale consultant on 07860 928797.

Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News: SELLING AGAIN: This Lionel Edwards oil on board was first sold at Greenslade Taylor Hunt in 2001