*A new book titled "Ballyshannon: Genealogy & History" by Anthony Begley will be launched in Colaiste Cholmcille, Ballyshannon on Friday, 26th August 2011, at 8 p.m. Ballyshannon, Ireland is the birthplace of William Allingham, Helen's husband. Music & light refreshments are offered and all are welcome. The book contains 500 pages with much colour, photos, maps and illustrations recording the history of the area in the 19th and 20th centuries. Lots of new research including material on tracing your roots. For more information and advance orders for the book, please contact Anthony Begley.

*The Burgh House & Hampstead Museum is holding an exhibition titled "The Life and Work of Helen Allingham." Marking 85 years since the artist's death, the exhibition will showcase one of the best public collections of work from the first woman accepted into the Royal Watercolour Society (1890). Allingham expert Annabel Watts will be delivering two talks entitled "The Life and Art of Helen Allingham" on July 28th and September 29th at 7 PM, which will address the breadth of Allingham's career. Rebecca Lodge, Curator of Hampstead Museum, will present a talk on October 21st at 2 PM entitled "Helen Allingham and Hampstead," which will explore in depth Allingham's links to the area. The exhibition will be held from July 21st to November 11th, 2011 at the Burgh House, New End Square, Hampstead.

For more information and details, please visit the Burgh House website at Burgh House & Hampstead Museum.

*The Surrey Archaeological Society Summer Lecture this year will be on "The Life and Work of Helen Allingham" by Annabel Watts (see more on Annabel below). The lecture will be held on Friday 10th June, 2011 at The Menuhin Hall, Stoke D'Abernon, Surrey.

For more information and details, please visit the Society's website at Surrey Archaeological Society

* Allingham Walks & Talks are now available from the authority on Helen Allingham, Annabel Watts. Annabel has been researching Helen Allingham for nearly 30 years and has located and photographed over 150 cottages & buildings painted by Mrs. Allingham, many of which are featured in her wonderful book "Helen Allingham's Cottages Homes Revisited". Living her whole life in Surrey, Annabel knows the area very well and conducts guided walking tours around Witley and Haslemere, highlighting the cottages painted by the artist. The tours are limited to 12 people to maximize the experience. In addition to her guided tours, Annabel is available to give expert talks to interested groups and clubs, and acts as a consultant to art dealers, auction houses, and individuals.

Annabel can be contacted directly by clicking here. For more information on Annabel, click here.

* Anthony Begley, curator of County Donegal Historical Society Museum, has completed a beautiful new book on William Allingham's birth town entitled "Ballyshannon and Surrounding Areas. History Heritage and Folklore." The book starts with the arrival of the first settlers at Inis Saimer and tells the story of Ballyshannon's history to the recent excavations at Ballyhanna. A new Allingham Trail with map is featured in the book to commemorate the famous Donegal poet. There is also a chapter in the book about Helen and William and many references to the family throughout the book. The book has 500 pages with over 125 images, including rare photographs, maps, sketches etc. and plenty of colour on good quality paper. The front cover is a beautiful painting of the waterfall and bridge by Maud Allingham, the poet's cousin. The price for Mr. Begley's fine book is Euro 25 for paperback, Euro 45 for hardback, and postage is Euro 8 anywhere in Ireland. In mainland Britain the cost is GBP 23 for paperback, GBP 41 for hardback, and GBP 8 for postage. Interested parties should contact Anthony Begley directly by clicking here.

* Beware of paintings being offered on eBay as original Allingham watercolours - MOST ARE NOT. If you are seriously considering bidding on a painting represented on eBay as a genuine Helen Allingham, feel free to write us for an opinion. For more information, see our FAQ page.

* A few copies of the rare Christies catalogue for the famous Marley Collection are available for 25 pounds each (plus shipping). This catalogue features 55 colour Helen Allingham watercolours, some full page, sold at the Christies auction on September 19, 1991. If you would like a catalogue, please drop us an email.

* One of our friends is seeking a watercolour by Helen titled "Under Hindhead, Surrey". If anyone should know of its whereabouts, please drop us an email and let us know.

* We welcome any news items you would like to share, especially concerning the availability of Helen Allingham watercolours for sale.

Recent Sales

Bonhams:   27 Jan 2011,   Lot No: 102,   "By the cottage gate, Mayfield, East Sussex",  Watercolour heightened with scratching out, 16x22cm (6 5/16 x 8 11/16in)     Sold for 7,200 BP (US $11,450), inclusive of Buyer's Premium.