Adrian Rathbone, Head of Fine Art at Hansons Auctioneers in Derbyshire, has been appointed to market an impressive collection of 20th Century artwork which has come from a Midlands-based academic institution. Here, he explains why it is so special.
Art is very personal. Are you into traditional paintings from the 19th Century or do you prefer something more contemporary? Some say you either love or hate a painting.
Although Hansons Auctioneers’ flourishing Fine Art Department is very much clued up on dealing with all manner of paintings – from the antique to the contemporary, we are very proud to have been appointed to market a fine selection of post-war artwork sourced from a Midlands based academic institution.
A similar appointment last year posted a record price of £14,000 for Mary Fedden’s cat and a pineapple. The selection this year is no less impressive. There are works by leading post-war British and foreign artists such as Valerious Caloutsis, Dame Elizabeth Frink, sculptor Robert Neale, Peter Oliver and Cheong Soo Pieng to name a few.
The highlight of the consignment is Lot 218, a bright and cheerful oil painting by celebrated British artist Frederick John Pym Gore CBA, RA (1913-2009). The 50cm by 75cm work in oils is titled ‘The Pink Field Les Baux’ on the prestigious Redfern Gallery label to the back, (another title states ‘The Path to Mausanne’). Painted in Gores’ typical Fauve style with thickly laid on paint in bright hues, the work probably dates from the 1960’s when he painted scenes in Provence. It carried a pre-sale estimate of £2,000-3,000 although his works can fetch well over £10,000.
Frederick Gore was born into art with his mother being a Scottish dancer and his father, Spencer Gore, the president of the Camden Town Group of painters. After WWII he began teaching at Saint Martin;s School of Art where he became Head of Painting from 1951 until 1979. He taught and became assocated with some of the most accomplished artists of the 20th Century. Exhibiting at London’s Redfern Gallery, in 1972 he was elected a Royal Academician. In later years he designed posters for London Transport Museum.
I am delighted to have once again been given the opportunity to market a selection of post-war works of art. We thrive on, and have a passion for, all original art by noted craftspeople – be it painting, sculpture or any other medium. What I admire about Gore’s work ‘is the vibrant colour palette and the energetic brush strokes’.
The consignment of 20th Century art is being offered in Hansons 20th Century Design & Decorative Arts Auction on February 22. The catalogue is due to go live at www.the-saleroom.com by February 8/9 and bids can be made in advance or live.
Hansons are currently inviting entries of paintings by noted artists for their forthcoming Spring Fine Art Auction on March 30. Entries close March 8. For further information, please contact Adrian Rathbone on 01283 733988 or email [email protected]
