In our timed sale of Modern and Contemporary Art (Friday 16 July – Sunday 1 August) we offer a collection of artworks from the estate of the late Douglas ‘Dougie’ Gray (1929 - 2020)
Along with his brother, Tony, and Bruce Lacey, Douglas formed the band The Alberts. The surreal band, with their wild performances and mad-cap antics, were the epitome of British eccentricity mixed with post-war anti-establishment sentiments.
As part of the musical comedy scene, they mixed with many of the acts of the day. Douglas and Tony were the two musicians behind Spike Milligan and Peter Sellers in the ‘Jump into a Dustbin and Dance’ sketch in ‘A Show Called Fred’ and as well as appearing in The Goon Show, they were cited as influences on The Goodies and The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band.
British School, 20th century
Portrait of Douglas 'Dougie' Gray (1930-2020), holding a French Horn
indistinctly signed and dated '92 l.r., oil on board
72 x 57cm
Est. £100-150
A collection of musical items from the performer's estate attracted competitive bidding when offered for sale in our Homes & Interiors auction earlier this year on the 16 March, with a group of 'trumpet family' instruments, including examples made by Mahillon, Henry Distin, J.H. Ebblewhite, and Besson & Co selling for £5,720 including fees.
We now offer a collection of artworks painted by Grey himself, aptly displaying his off-beat style, along with a British School portrait of the flamboyant star. The collection will be offered in our timed sale of Modern and Contemporary Art that will run from Friday 16 July through to Sunday 1 August.
Douglas Gray (1930-2020)
Windmill
signed with initials l.r., oil on canvas
67 x 36cm
Est. £150-250 (part lot)
For more information about the collection and the forthcoming sale, please contact -
Amy Scanlon
amyscanlon@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778
We are pleased to offer a bronze ‘Tete de Femme’ floor lamp, after Alberto Giacometti for Jean Michel Frank, in our upcoming July Design sale.
23 June 2026
Japanese ceramics are highly appreciated for balanced coexistence of tradition and innovation; while older techniques are respected and preserved, new forms and ways of working with ceramics keep emerging. Today, Japan can boast with more than 100 pottery centres, each maintaining their own techniques, tradition and utilization of local materials.
17 June 2026
The varied and rich artistic traditions of the Indian, Islamic and Southeast Asian worlds continue to fascinate a global network of collectors and institutions. This year, Sworders Auctioneers have established a new area in its biannual Asian Art sales, dedicated to celebrating a great variety of works from these vibrant centres of artistic excellence.
17 June 2026