Mystery bidder buys drawings for town

The collection of about 40 pictures by one-armed Seaford artist HH Evans, who lived from1849-1926, depict old scenes of the town and the surrounding area. They recently came up for sale at auction in Lewes. The museum had hoped to buy them but the price rose too high.

Seaford Museum public liaison officer Mick Barrett said: 'The museum was very interested to acquire this set to add to its already impressive collection. However, bidding was brisk and soon exceeded the amount the museum could afford.

'Then a new bidder stepped in and eventually won the bidding and, to the delight of the museum staff, announced that he had purchased them so they would remain in the town on display in the museum.

'He knew the limit to which the museum could go and is willing to sell them to the museum at that price.

'This very generous and public spirited act is very much appreciated and means that a part of Seaford heritage remains in its rightful place thanks to this benefactor, who wishes to remain anonymous.'

The museum is keen to find out about the history of the drawings and appealed to Sussex Express readers for their help.

He said: ' If any readers know of the background of this set of drawings, the museum would be very interested to learn about previous owners and for whom the set were originally drawn.'

Due to current building work at the museum the drawings cannot be displayed until the re-opening in early summer. However, a selection will be on display at the museum's annual meeting today (Friday) at the Little Theatre, at 7.30pm.

Two years ago Seaford Museum had an exhibition of the works of HH Evans and compiled a book with about 90 of his drawings entitled A Seaford Sketchbook. Some copies are still available at the museum or in local bookshops.