‘Lot 191, ‘The Homecoming’ by H.L. Pritchard.’
‘This sculpture in the classic Greek style, dating from 1918-19, in bronze. It depicts the artist being held in the arms of her fiancé, Private Graham Colquhoun.’
‘Ms. Pritchard was inspired to create this work after watching soldiers returning from the First World War being greeted by wives, fiancées and loved ones at Euston Station one evening. Expecting her fiancé to be on the train, only later did she learn he had been killed in action on the final day of the war.’
‘She sculpted this memorial of their fictional reunion, which has stayed in the family ever since.’
‘There is no reserve on this lot. It is being sold by the State having been seized following the death of the artist and liquidation of the family assets.’
‘Do I have an opening bid of five thousand pounds?’
‘Four thousand?’
‘Two thousand?’
‘I should remind the buyers that failure to secure a sale will result in the sculpture being sold and melted down for it’s raw materials.’
‘Do I have one thousand pounds?’
‘Very well. The lot remains unsold.’
A final knock of the gavel echoes.
‘Moving on ladies and gentleman, lot 192.’
Written as part of Sunday Photo Fiction. Write a story of around 200 words based on the photo prompt given (above). Hosted by Al Forbes. For more details visit HERE.
To read more stories based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.
Iain Kelly 
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