A PAINTING of a cottage in Wroughton by a trailblazing Victorian artist has sold for more than £13,000.

The tiny watercolour was painted by Helen Allingham who fought against Victorian attitudes to be taken seriously as a woman in the art world.

Her painting of the old forge at the Swindon end of High Street was painted 90 years ago while she stayed with friends in Wroughton.

The work which measures just 9in by 12in attracted a great deal of interest when it came up for auction at Christie's yesterday and eventually went for £13,145.

A spokesman said: "We got a very good price for what is a superb painting.

"We have no details of the buyer and are not sure what will happen to it.

"The auction was packed and there was bidding by phone too.

"She was a very important painter who really put women artists on the map."

The forge was occupied by blacksmith Richard Tarrant when it was painted.

It was demolished in the 1960s and a DIY shop now stands on the site.

Helen Allingham's work is now highly sought after.

She is known for capturing rural life in the English countryside.

The record paid for one of her paintings is £46,000.