The past decade has seen an explosion of interest in Scottish Women artists, a development reflected in Bonhams Scottish Art sale on Thursday 13 May at 22 Queen Street Edinburgh. Among the highlights are a rare collection of pieces by Annie French being sold by a relative of the artist; The Harbour, Dublin, an oil by Anne Redpath not seen in public since the early 1950s; and four works by Joan Eardley in the centenary year of her birth, including Gable end of Tenement.

In the early 1950s Anne Redpath (1895-1965) gifted The Harbour, Dublin to close friends who were part of the intellectual and bohemian scene in Edinburgh at the time. The couple gave it to one of their sons and daughter-in-law in 1958, as a wedding present, and it has remained with them ever since as part of their private collection. Redpath visited Ireland in 1947 when, it is believed, this work was painted. Estimate: £10,000-15,000.

Bonhams specialist in Scottish Art in Edinburgh, May Matthews said: "The late 1940s and early '50s marked the turning point in Redpath's career as a successful artist and the paintings she produced during this period are some of her most progressive and exciting. Irish subjects are rare among Redpath's work and The Harbour, Dublin has never been offered at auction before, so I am expecting a great deal of interest from collectors."

Joan Eardley (1921-1963) would have been 100 on 18th May this year. Already an established presence at the time of her early death, she continues to enjoy a reputation as one of Scotland finest and most popular painters. Gable end of Tenement dates from her years living and working in the Townhead area of Glasgow whose half-demolished tenements and obliterated streets – and the community who lived there – she recorded with unmatched compassion before they disappeared under redevelopment. Estimate: £10,000-15,000.

Towards the end of the 19th century and during the opening two decades of the 20th Glasgow School of Art purposely cultivated an environment in which women artists were actively encouraged to enrol and pursue artistic careers. Annie French (1872-1965) was one of the many beneficiaries of this enlightened approach. A collection of her work consigned by one of her relatives is a rare opportunity to acquire a piece by this intriguing artist. It includes the beautiful Lady with peacock feathers. Estimated: £1,000-1,500.

The sale also includes Night Geometry by Jack Vettriano (estimate: £50,000-70,000), and Skipping, an important oil by Edward Hornel (Estimate: £12,000-18,000), that has been in the same family for approximately 100 years.

6th May 2021