The annual art auction, organised by the Friends of the Queen's Hall Gallery, Narberth, was a great success again this year. Auctioneer, artist and writer Ossie Rhys Osmond conducted the affair with great wit and knowledge, and cajoled bids from the 60 people who braved the searing heat to compete for the bargains that were to be had. Eighty pieces had been brought in, many as straight donations, and a number on a 50/50 share, and at the end of the day a staggering £6,000 had been taken. After payments to artists, and expenses of advertising and printing were taken into account, the grand profit of £3,500 was declared by treasurer, Madeline Addyman. This means that the rent for the gallery will be covered for the year, and the Friends are in the healthy position to help Lynne Crompton, the gallery manager, with further improvements to the gallery. The raffle prize of a superb watercolour by Elizabeth Cramp was drawn by the town's Mayor, Clr. Henry Langen, and won by Huw Jones, Llanboidy. One of the major paintings, generously donated by Arthur Giardelli, reached £360, and two others, one by Robert Lawton and one by Christine Kinsey, fetched over £400 each. Some people were very lucky, and went home with some lovely art from as little as £20. Photographs, drawings, ceramics and paintings all came under the hammer, and only five pieces were withdrawn. Many thanks must go to the excellent committee, and to the artists who contributed, and of course to the people who came and bought and therefore helped secure the future success of this thriving interesting gallery.
