The Exchange Building, Old Market Square, Nottingham

A central figure in Nottingham's development as a cultural epicentre, Arthur Spooner was born in the city and remained there throughout his life. He trained at the Nottingham School of Art where he later taught, and became a founder member of the Nottingham Atelier in 1897. This body was later affiliated to the Nottingham Society of Artists. Spooner was President from 1946-62, and was succeeded upon his death by Edward Seago. His friends and contemporaries included Harold and Dame Laura Knight.

The grounds of Old Market Square played host to the city's markets from the 11th Century until 1918. The Exchange Building, with its distinctive façade and central clock, was erected in 1724 by Marmaduke Pennell. The 'Shambles', the domed building at the rear of the Exchange, housed the city's meat market. Both were demolished in 1926 and replaced by the Council House and surrounding shops.

Two large scale paintings by Spooner, The Goose Fair, Nottingham and Nottingham Old Market - also depicting the Exchange Building - were sold in these Rooms on 9 June 2004 (lots 44 and 45).