AN oil painting that has aroused interest from more than 100 potential buyers and items linked to the late Queen are included in an auction in Taunton.

The 100-plus bidders are interested in an early 20th Century portrait of a lady in a hat and spotted scarf that will feature in Greenslade Taylor Hunt’s antiques sale next Thursday (September 14).

The oil on canvas is unsigned, but is similar in style and composition to several portraits, in particular The Spotted Scarf, Anne Estelle Rice circa 1908 by renowned artist John Duncan Fergusson (1871-1961).

He was regarded as one of the major artists of the Scottish Colourist School. Fourteen of his paintings were given to the University of Stirling when it was founded in 1968. His work continues to remain popular and a permanent exhibition celebrating his art was established in Perth in 1992.

It will be among a number of interesting pieces going under the hammer at the monthly auction at The Octagon Salerooms, in East Reach, starting at 10am and followed at 2pm by the quarterly collectors’ sale.

There is much to appeal in both auctions, with a “multi-tasking” piece of Victoriana particularly catching the eye.

This demantoid and pearl starburst, 15ct gold necklace can be converted into a brooch. It is in very good condition for its age and has a pre-sale estimate of £500-£550.

With the first anniversary of the death of Elizabeth II this week, there are a couple of items with links to the late monarch.

These include a black and white full-length portrait of Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh, signed by the royals and dated 1972. Also included in the lot is an invitation to attend a dinner on board the Royal Yacht Britannia on March 15, 1972; an associated menu card and programme card; and a small quantity of other ephemera.

Both sales are on view on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 12 and 13, from 9am-4pm and between 9am-10am on September 14, prior to the start of the auctions.

For more information, contact the salerooms on 01823 332525.