When managers in Oxfam are used to a variety of sellable bric-a-brac donated by the public, Pamela Reid of Aberdeen Chapel Street shop was given a generous donation of a painting that has netted the agency more than £1,500 at a silent auction ended. The artist of the painting, Derek Robertson, greeted and handed over his work to the highest bidder, Sir Frederick and Lady Holliday, fan of wildlife and landscape painting on Tuesday 3rd July.

The painting, ‘High Rise Neighbours’, depicts puffins and rabbits on a cliff and was donated anonymously to the shop. After researching its background Pamela carried out a one-week ‘silent auction’ at the shop to raise money for Oxfam, which ended up with the winning bid of £1,550 by the couple.

Coming from Laurencekirk, south of Aberdeen, the couple expressed they were happy to have this ‘perfect picture’ to add into their collection and ‘worked’ with one of their most favourite artists Derek Robertson to support Oxfam’s worldwide projects.

Shop manager, Pamela Reid, said: "I knew when I looked at the painting that it was valuable but I didn’t realise how much until I did some research."

"I would like to thank the anonymous donor, artist Derek Robertson and the successful bidder. During the bid period, there have been a lot of entrants and I would like to thank local people for their support.

"I am absolutely delighted about the bid, so is Derek, the money will do a lot of good."

When asked about his support to Oxfam, Derek Robertson said: "I am delighted that Oxfam is using my painting to support its work and I’m thrilled the auction is successful.

"It was a lovely moment to meet Sir Frederick and Lady Holliday. The event of this kind opens a new window for art lovers."

ENDS