Leading up to our Paint. Print. Sculpt. Sale from 26 May to 4 June, our team of passionate modern and contemporary art specialists shares their top lots.
May 2023
Amy Scanlon, Head of Modern & Contemporary Art
I started my career working for Chris Beetles – a world leading dealer of cartoons and illustrations. During this time, I had the privilege of working with many of the contemporary greats. Growing up, I was a huge fan of Roald Dahl and Quentin Blake, so it was fantastic to meet the illustrator himself. He is just as lovely as I had hoped and willingly signed my childhood dog-eared books.
Although lot 60 is a preliminary work for a shoe shop advertisement, it works just as well as a standalone piece of art. Blake brings his fun, imaginative and unique style to everything he designs, he has the ability to tell a story with a few strokes of the pen, bringing joy to the viewer.
Sir Quentin Blake CH (b.1932) - 'Louis XIV and Charles VIII' (£800-1,200)
Marianne Richardson, Picture Department Cataloguer
Out of all the works in Paint.Print.Sculpt, my favourite is ‘C’ by the Scottish painter and printmaker Craigie Aitchison. The brightly coloured screen print is whimsical and cheerful; evoking fond memories of childhood birthday parties and donkey rides at the seaside. The print is also beautifully presented and ready to hang straight on the wall, where I am sure its bold colours and playful motifs will bring its new owner lots of joy!
Craigie Aitchison (1926-2009) 'Donkey Candlestick' (£1,000-1,500)
Amelia Hone, Picture Department Assistant
My take home piece for our ‘Paint. Print. Sculpt’ sale would be the Edward Bawden 'The Temple of Concord, Audley End'. This watercolour really captures the beginning of an English Summer. The verdant green grass, full leaved trees, and blue hazy sky, one can almost smell the grass clippings and hear the birds singing in the trees. The tree is at the centre of the composition with the branches and leaves cascading over the top of the picture portraying that ethereal dappled light which dances between the leaves if you sit beneath a tree on a summer’s afternoon. Edward Bawden is perhaps best known for his bold graphic linocuts; however, he is also a delicate and thoughtful painter and I believe this painting showcases his skills as a watercolourist beautifully.
Edward Bawden RA (1903-1989) 'The Temple of Concord, Audley End' (£2,000-3,000)
To browse the full catalogue please visit this link.
For further information, please contact Amelia Hone | pictures@sworder.co.uk
A fine commode, believed to be by John Cobb (1715-1778), arguably one of England's greatest furniture makers, comes up for sale in Dick Turpin | The Legend Lives On to be held on 25 January.
7 December 2023
Sworders are pleased to present a selection of antique and vintage textiles in our December Fine Interiors sale, including items from the collection of the late Hildegard Heygate.
4 December 2023
It is with great pleasure that we announce that Emma Barnett has been appointed as Head of Department with responsibility for the future development of our Homes and Interiors sales – Emma has been with Sworders for some time, but as she now moves into this pivotal role, we would like to take this opportunity to introduce her to you.
30 November 2023