Train lovers and art collectors vie over Cuneo's $97,000 Golden Arrow

The Golden Arrow by Terence Cuneo will star at Bonhams' Modern Paintings auction on September 20 in London. 

The painting is estimated to sell for £40,000-60,000 and is expected to attract art collectors looking for that next piece of value for their collection.

The 1994 oil on canvas previously sold for £35,250 at a Christie's sale in June 2001.

Famed for his paintings of trains, horses and military action, Cuneo (1907-1996) was also distinguished for his work as the official artist of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation. 

A statue of him stands at London's Waterloo station.

Emma Corke, director of Bonhams' London pictures department, comments: "We are delighted to be offering this wonderful painting of such an iconic subject, which is sure to appeal to both train enthusiasts and Cuneo collectors."

Introduced in 1929, the Golden Arrow was a luxury boat train that ran between London's Victoria station and Dover. 


Cuneo's 1994 work is valued at £40,000 to £60,000

Passengers would then take the ferry across the Channel to Calais and complete their journey from there to Paris by the Golden Arrow's French counterpart, the Fleche d'Or. 

The train was initially entirely for first-class passengers, before being expanded to include cheaper options. 

Between September 1939 and April 1946 the train ceased to run because of the war, and in 1951 it had a new set of Pullman cars built as part of the celebrations of the Festival of Britain. 

The Golden Arrow made its final journey in September 1972, as air travel took hold.

Paul Fraser Collectibles will bring you the results of the sale next month.

 

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