Oil painting set to fetch a slick £50k

AN oil painting of a Scottish harbour by the famous Victorian landscape artist Samuel Bough is expected to fetch up to £50,000 at an Edinburgh auction next month.

West Wemyss Harbour, Fife, was painted by Bough in 1854, when the artist lived in Glasgow.

The painting, which shows the arrival of fishing boats at sunrise, has been not seen in public for more than a century as it has been kept in a private collection.

It will be a highlight of Bonhams’ annual Scottish Sale, on August 20.

Chris Brickley, Bonhams’ head of pictures in Scotland, said: “Sam Bough had a huge affection for East Fife and it shines through in this wonderfully atmospheric painting.

“It is not surprising that his work has become increasingly sought after.”

Bough was born in Carlisle, but spent most of his working life in Glasgow and Edinburgh.