Ahead of Cheffins upcoming Art & Design sale on 22nd February which consists of 544 consignments including glass, ceramics, works of art, furniture and collectables, our team have selected their top two lots...
Brett Tryner:
Lot 312 - I have always loved portraiture in art, as Alison Smith, chief curator of the National Portrait Gallery recently commented: ‘Portraiture stands apart from other genres of art as it marks the intersection between portrait, biography and history. They are more than artworks; when people look at portraits, they think they are encountering that person’.
What I particularly like about this portrait is the mystery surrounding both the artist and the sitter, the dark palette and expression on the sitter only add to the intrigue and mystery.
Circle of Jacob Cramer (1892-1962) - Portrait of a young man in profile (lot 312)
Lot 333 - Cheffins sold the house contents of the artist and photographer, Edwin Smith (1912 – 1971), and his artist wife, Olive Cook (1912-2002) upon Cook’s death. This particular painting came from that sale, and I am always fascinated with the movement of objects and how they resurface like an old friend ready to enter another collection. I particularly like the palette and movement in this painting which would suit any interior.
Edwin Smith - 'From the top floor at Tenby'
Gabrielle Downie:
Lot 544, Jenny Holzer - Jenny Holzer’s challenging ‘Inflammatory Essays’ are interesting due to their visceral anger and deeply probing nature. Whilst the arts can be a wonderful forum for beauty, it is also an important space for societal change and reflection.
Lot 336, Gwen John
Gwen John led a famously tempestuous life and spent much time in solitude, accompanied only by her cats. As such, cats frequent many of her works. This gentle and quiet watercolour of a sleeping cat demonstrates the meditative and soulful nature of John and her artistic practice.
Gwen John (1876-1939) - Sleeping Cat
Martin Millard:
Lot 36, Keith Murray vase - I have always loved the clean lines and modernist simplicity of Murray’s work for Wedgwood, and this unusually muted matte glaze gives this example an even more contemporary feel. Murray was not only a leading designer within the factory but was also the architect of the factory building itself at Barlaston!
Keith Murray vase for Wedgewood
262 – Mouseman stool
I have a longstanding love affair with Mouseman pieces; indeed, I will often take to the rostrum with my Mouseman gavel! However, I particularly love the choice of burr oak used, adding further richness to the beautifully patinated seat, a patination that only time and use can create, it simply cannot be replicated. The colour and timber choice here elevate what is essentially a very simple form of furniture to another level.