Painting by Scottish artist achieves world record price at auction

This represents a world record for the Ayrshire-born and Glasgow School of Art-trained artist, who lived from 1895 until 1980. The figure is believed to be 10 times the highest price previously achieved for her work at auction.

The work, created in 1928, is believed to be one of only a handful of such paintings by Miller Parker, who later became celebrated as a wood engraver and illustrator.

Meanwhile, a stunning still life by Scottish Colourist S.J. Peploe, Iceland Poppies also sold for £302,600.

Alice Strang, Senior Specialist at Lyon & Turnbull, with SJ Peploe’s Iceland Poppies (Image: Stewart Attwood)

Considered a master of the genre of still life, the painting was included in Peploe’s last lifetime solo exhibition, held in London, held in London in 1934. Since 2002, the painting has belonged to a distinguished private American collector.

The auction realised £1.64 million pounds over two sessions at Lyon & Turnbull’s Edinburgh showroom and online.

Other highlights included Scottish Colourist John Duncan Fergusson’s Place de L’Observatoire sold for £75,800. This bravura Parisian street scene was priced at £40 in 1957.

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Celebrated Orcadian artist Stanley Cursiter’s painting of a female nude, The Mirror, which first offered for £40 in 1913, went under the hammer for £53,120.

Alice Strang, Senior Specialist at Lyon & Turnbull commented: “The Scottish Colourist S. J. Peploe’s Iceland Poppies received a wonderful homecoming after it was consigned to us from a distinguished private American collection. A thrilling battle between telephone bidders meant it realised £302,600.

“Sharing the evening’s glory was The Horse Fair by Agnes Miller Parker, whose rarity and originality meant it soared to a world record £176,600. It was great to see international interest in Scottish art continue to go from strength to strength.”