Whether you’ve inherited a work of art, are downsizing a collection, or simply wish to part with a painting, Dawsons Auctioneers can help you achieve the best possible price through our specialist art auctions. From traditional oils to Modern British, post-war, and contemporary works — our team of experts are here to guide you through the process with confidence.
As one of the UK’s leading auctioneers of fine art, Dawsons has a proven track record of securing outstanding results for original paintings. Our Picture Department is led by specialists with decades of experience and deep market insight, ensuring your work is accurately valued and professionally presented.
When you choose Dawsons, you’ll benefit from:
Free, expert valuation with no obligation
Access to a global audience of collectors and buyers
Exceptional in-house photography and cataloguing
Competitive seller’s commission - No Sale, No Fee
Discreet, trusted service from start to finish
The value of a painting depends on a number of factors — including the artist, subject, medium, condition, provenance, and current market trends. Some lesser-known works can fetch thousands, while others by notable artists can command significant five- or six-figure sums.
Our specialists will provide a realistic estimate based on comparable auction results and global demand.
We regularly sell paintings across a wide range of periods and styles, including:
Old Master and 19th-century oils
Modern British art — including works by L.S. Lowry, Mary Fedden, John Piper, and David Hockney
Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings
Contemporary and abstract artworks
Portraits, landscapes, still life, and figurative compositions
Works in oil, acrylic, watercolour, and mixed media
If you’re unsure about the origin, artist, or period of your painting, don’t worry — our team can help identify and assess it.
NO SALE, NO FEE
We will not charge any fees if we fail to sell your painting.
FAST PAYMENT
Receive sale proceeds within 30 days of auction.
If you're considering selling a painting, you're very welcome to book a valuation appointment with one of our friendly specialists at either our London or Berkshire offices. With extensive expertise in the art market, the team at Dawsons can offer trusted advice and guide you through the process — from valuation to sale.
Auction offers the most transparent and competitive route to market. With Dawsons, your painting will be marketed to our extensive database of collectors, dealers, galleries, and institutions — both in the UK and internationally.
Our dedicated Fine Pictures, Prints & Sculpture auctions ensure your painting receives the attention it deserves. Explore more of our art auction results in our full archive of past sale highlights to discover what your painting could achieve at auction.
At Dawsons, we care about the items we sell and where they come from. Our partnership with the Art Loss Register provides authentication and provenance checking services for artworks, giving buyers confidence and ensuring you realise maximum value for your art.
That’s no problem — our experts can help identify the artist or school of painting, and advise you on its likely value and marketability.
Yes. We regularly handle paintings from private collections and probate estates. We can also assist with insurance and probate valuations where required.
Yes. Condition affects value, but even damaged or dirty paintings may have strong market appeal — particularly if the artist is sought-after. Our team will advise on whether restoration is worthwhile before selling.
Not necessarily. While documentation can support higher-value works, many paintings are sold successfully without certificates. We will always research and verify works where possible.
Selling a painting can feel like a big step — especially if you're unsure what you have. Our blog offers a wealth of expert insights to help you navigate the world of art. From artist spotlights and market trends to tips on identifying styles and signatures, we cover the topics that matter most to collectors and sellers alike. Whether you're dealing with a Modern British landscape or an Old Master portrait, our content is here to help you feel more informed.
Need Any Further Assistance?
If you're looking to sell a painting or you have other types of art you're thinking of selling, our team of experts can help you achieve the best possible price. We also offer specialist services for those looking to sell other types of valuable items.
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