Sell Staithes Group Artwork at Auction
Dugglebys’ Staithes Group department is a specialist division focused on celebrating and promoting the works of the renowned Staithes Group of artists. This collective, active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, is celebrated for their distinctive plein air paintings, capturing the raw beauty of the North Yorkshire coast and its surrounding landscapes.
Our team, composed of experts with in-depth knowledge and appreciation for the Staithes Group and British Impressionism, brings a wealth of experience in evaluating, authenticating, and auctioning works from this influential collective. We understand the historical significance and artistic value of the Staithes Group and have years of experience selling these pieces at auction, enabling us to provide accurate valuations that reflect the current market trends.
Consigning with Dugglebys Auctioneers & Valuers offers numerous benefits. Our established reputation and extensive network of Staithes Group collectors and enthusiasts ensure that your works receive the attention and exposure they deserve. We employ a strategic approach to marketing and sales, leveraging both traditional and digital platforms to reach a global audience. This, combined with our personalised service and expert guidance, maximises the potential return on your consigned pieces.
Whether you are a seasoned collector or looking to sell a single piece, our Staithes Group department is here to support you through every step of the consignment process. Trust in our expertise and dedication to celebrating and preserving the legacy of the Staithes Group artists.
About the Group
The Staithes Group was a collective of nearly 40 artists active around the turn of the 20th century in the fishing village of Staithes. They lived among the villagers, often lodging with fishermen, which allowed them to capture the harsh, authentic lifestyle in their paintings. Joseph Bagshawe, a keen sailor, reflected this realism in his work. The group produced diverse works, including landscapes, portraits, and still lifes, and many members traveled abroad, influencing their art.
The group was pioneered by William Gilbert Foster and Thomas Barrett, who encouraged young artists like Laura Knight to paint in Staithes. The arrival of the railway in 1883 made Staithes more accessible, and the group held its first exhibition in 1901 at the Staithes Fishermen’s Institute. They exhibited annually until 1904 but disbanded in 1907 due to venue constraints.
Some artists remained in the area, while others moved to different art colonies or cities. Paintings by the Staithes Group are now held in private collections and galleries worldwide, including the Tate and Leeds Art Gallery. The Pannett Gallery in Whitby also holds works by many members, with Thomas Barrett being a notable omission.
The Artists
(Those listed in italics were not members of The Staithes Art Club but are still considered members of the group.)
The Australian artist Arthur James Wetherall Burgess (1879-1957) is known to have exhibited in the 1906 exhibition, although he is generally not considered to have been a member of the Group. Similarly, The Hon. Duff Tollemache (1859–1936) is listed by some sources as a member of the Group, as he lived for some time in Runswick Bay c.1883, where he probably met Ralph Hedley and Fred Jackson, however he moved to St. Ives in 1885, long before the formation of The Staithes Group.