A collection of 54 paintings by Shropshire artist Catherine Downes is to be sold for two charities by Shrewsbury-based Halls Fine Art in a timed auction which begins next week.

A drinks reception will be held at Halls Fine Art’s Battlefield saleroom on Wednesday from 4.30pm until 7pm to launch the timed auction. Proceeds of the auction will go to Severn Hospice and Cuan Wildlife Rescue in Catherine’s home town of Much Wenlock.

The artworks, comprising watercolours, oils, acrylics, pastels and mixed media, will be open for bidding at https://finearttimed.hallsgb.com/auctions/9620/halls-10033 from April 21 to May 1.

The collection, which is valued at £2,500 to £3,500, can be viewed in the saleroom from Tuesday to Friday next week from 10am to 4pm.

Shropshire scenes featured in the collection include the Shropshire Hills, Much Wenlock, Long Mynd, the Wrekin and Buildwas Abbey. There is also a selection of scenes from the Scottish Highlands and lochs. Pembrokeshire and Devon.

Born into a Shropshire farming family, Catherine’s work is heavily influenced by her rural upbringing. Before focusing on painting, she worked as a glass designer and engraver with her own studio.

She graduated from the University of Wolverhampton with a BA (Hons) degree in Fine Art as a mature student in 2002 and wrote the book ‘Catherine Downes: The Sketches’, showcasing drawings from her travels, in 2016 – copies of which will be available for sale at next week’s drinks reception.

Catherine is now a resident of Wheatlands Care Home, Much Wenlock, where a small exhibition of her artworks was on display last month.

Maryanne Lineker-Mobberley, from Halls Fine Art, said: “We were delighted to be asked to sell this collection of artworks by Catherine Downes for the two local charities.

“This carefully curated collection includes scenes of Shropshire interest, Scotland Wales and Devon, which will appeal to a range of buyers, from seasoned collectors to first-time bidders.”