Painting collection from ‘Likely Lad’ expected to fetch £50,000

The paintings are owned by Bingley-born actor Rodney Bewes, best known for his role as Bob Ferris in The Likely Lads.

Bewes met Brighouse artist Brook in the 1960s through his friend and fellow actor Tom Courtenay, who had bought several works by the artist.

Brook had recently left his job as art teacher at Sowerby Bridge Grammar School to become a professional 
artist.

Bewes later introduced the artist to Huddersfield-born actor James Mason who in turn became an admirer, buying several of his paintings from his homes in Hollywood and Switzerland.

Richard Hopkinson, of auctioneer Bonhams, said: “The collection is a tribute to a mutual friendship and an admiration of the best of Yorkshire.

“The towns and countryside changed enormously during Peter Brook’s life, but his paintings have a timeless quality. It is a privilege to include these beautifully expressive paintings in a Bonhams sale.”

A Bonhams spokesman described Brook as a “very modest and shy man” whose works “combine great technical skill with acute observation of sky, landscape, figures and buildings.”

“They possess a strong sense of humour and sense of place, evoking the atmosphere of the Calder Valley and surrounding regions.”

Bonhams Chester will sell the paintings on December 5.

Brook died in 2009.