Blonde Traveller by Basil Blackshaw a big hit at Bonham’s auction in London

Irish artist’s portrait acclaimed for its raw colour, writes Des O’Sullivan.    

Basil Blackshaw’s Blonde Traveller comes up at Bonham’s sale of Modern British and Irish Art at New Bond Street in London next Wednesday.

In 1984/85 the artist undertook a series of traveller paintings using sitters that he had met and who stirred his interest. The works were acclaimed for their raw colour and immediacy. Blond Traveller is estimated at £18,000-25,000 (€25,400-35,250).