Shy painter’s works go up for sale
One of the works by 'The Hat' to be offered up for sale through auctioneers Clarke and Simpson Picture: CLARKE AND SIMPSON - Credit: Archant
A series of works by a mystery Suffolk artist known as The Hat are set to go under the hammer.
Clarke and Simpson will be offering up six pieces by the elusive painter dubbed The Hat because of his ‘hat’ sign-off at a sale on Saturday, September 5.
The Campsea-Ashe-based auctioneers can’t confirm the identity of the artist – who has left the works at various sites around the county.
MORE – US giant brings all turf production to Suffolk
The works have been left at sites including a phonebox in Butley, where coronavirus-themed images were discovered.
Another work was discovered at an EACH charity shop, but the only clue to the identity of the artist is in a note left at the phone box.
You may also want to watch:
It read: “These pieces of art have been given to the people in the village of Butley along with one piece I have given to the Oyster Inn.
“In these difficult times of need, I hope you will be able to auction these off and raise funds for charities of your choice.
Most Read
- 1 Photos of suspected stolen dogs released in bid to find owners
- 2 Retailer to pay £60K after multiple food hygiene breaches in Sudbury store
- 3 'We can look forward to the transfer window' - Cook on summer plans
- 4 New survey reveals Suffolk's property hotspots
- 5 Man left with serious burns after fire at Hadleigh petrol station
- 6 Plans for new KFC and Starbucks refused
- 7 Commuter faces full trains on line from East Anglia to London
- 8 Large scratches left on cars all parked on same road overnight
- 9 Rose-tinted reaction to Duke's death was so out of proportion
- 10 George Burley: Ipswich fans' dreams would have been shattered by a European Super League
“I have donated pieces to several local charities. Stay Safe. The Hat.”
The Clarke and Simpson sale lots will form part of an Art Deco, 20th century design and retro sale which starts at 10am.
One item included in the sale is a torso left outside the Neat House Restaurant in Dennington, others include three pieces found at the phone box outside the Butley Oyster and a further two abstracts discovered at the EACH shop in Framlingham. All are being sold for charity.
Lots can be viewed on Thursday, September 3, by appointment, and Friday, September 4, at the auction house.
Auctioneer Geoffrey Barfoot said it was unclear who might be behind the generous gesture.
“He keeps dropping off artwork around the county,” he said.
“They are very topical political and covid-typical.”
As for their artistic merit, it’s all in the eye of the beholder, he suggested.
“Art’s very subjective,” said Mr Barfoot.