Buyers poised as Rebus leaps into auction

Published on 31/08/2006 12:04

AN Edinburgh auctioneer has tipped three Jack Vettriano paintings, including one of fictional detective John Rebus, to be major draws when they go under the hammer this weekend.

Rebus Incognito will be up for sale along with In Thoughts of You and Amanda Keith, both of which were previously owned by the model featured in the two paintings.

John Howard, auctioneer at Shapes in Sighthill, said: "Scots are keen to get behind the local lad. They certainly vote with their cheque books.

"I think the paintings are potentially pretty good investments. The artist certainly has worldwide notoriety.

"Vettriano has set the benchmark and buyers' confidence can certainly be seen in the saleroom, regardless of what you read in the press. It's great he's a local artist and one of the great Scottish success stories."

The three paintings are expected to fetch more than 60,000 when they go under the hammer on Saturday.