Mark Hill Auctions was delighted to be asked to help unveil a landmark artwork by celebrated 19th-century folk artist George Smart (English, 1774–1846) at The Amelia Scott in Tunbridge Wells last week.
The work, titled Old Bright the Postman, c1820, is now on display at The Amelia Scott and was acquired through our Tunbridge Wells auction room. This marks a significant moment in the return of an important piece of local heritage.
George Smart (1774-1846) known as The Tailor of Frant, is recognised as one of the key figures within the history of English Folk Art. He lived and worked in the village of Frant, around 2 miles south of Tunbridge Wells. Using fabric offcuts and scraps from his workshop, he produced a series of distinctive collages that were once sold to tourists and even royalty. Only around 100 of his works survive today, housed in public collections such as Compton Verney, Scotney Castle, and The Amelia Scott itself.
Old Bright, the Frant postman, is arguably Smart's most loved character, as well as his most frequently depicted. This is thought to be the earliest known depiction of this much-loved local figure.
As soon as the work was consigned, Mark contacted The Amelia Scott, home to the largest collection of works by George Smart in the world, to give them time to organise funds to be able to bid. The aim was to give them the best chance for the artwork to come home. And it did.
The acquisition was made possible thanks to the generous support of Arts4Kent and The Friends of The Amelia Scott. The artwork was officially unveiled on 6th November at The Amelia’s Workroom Gallery, where guests including our own Mark Hill, celebrated its return to the area where it was first created.
“As soon as I saw the piece, I knew it had to come back to The Pantiles, to Tunbridge Wells,” said Mark Hill. “It’s such an important part of our local story, and I’m delighted it’s now back where it belongs.”
Jeremy Kimmel, Arts and Engagement Director at The Amelia, also expressed heartfelt thanks to The Friends at The Amelia for their continued dedication and support in making acquisitions like this possible.
The unveiling was followed by an enlightening talk on George Smart (right) given by local historian Dr Philip Witbourn OBE.
This landmark work by Smart is now on display in The Amelia Scott’s Workroom Gallery, Tunbridge Wells.
Pictured Above
(left to right) Mark Hill; Valerie Kennard, Chair of Arts4Kent; Jeremy Kimmel, Director of Arts and Engagement at The Amelia; and Brian Lippard, Chair of The Friends at the Amelia Scott.
George Smart (1774-1846), Old Bright the Postman, c1820, on display at The Amelia Scott's Workroom Gallery
A Talk on George Smart given by local historian Dr Philip Witbourn OBE
