David Bomberg (1890-1957)

Dreweatts is delighted to announce a private collection of fourteen works by the esteemed British artist David Bomberg (1890-1957). This truly extraordinary collection of works was curated and passionately supported by one of Bomberg’s patrons, Jewish engineer Arthur Abraham Stambois (d. 1972). The works were sold as a collection to Stanley Mann in 1961 and held in private hands ever since, until now.

Take a peek at the Bomberg collection via our 360 Tour
Dreweatts are thrilled to take the viewer on a journey through Bomberg’s career with works dating from 1922 through to 1948, showcasing views of London, Palestine, Petra, Cuenca, Ronda and Cyprus.  These paintings have never been offered on the open market and this is your chance to take a first glimpse of the works on display in this 360 virtual tour at our Pall Mall gallery.

Leading the group is this monumental work from Bomberg’s trip to Cuenca in 1934, that dramatizes the vulnerability of the historic cathedral set high on the edge of the ravine. Strong and rapid diagonal brushstrokes create shadow and texture across the canvas that build to support the weight of the deeply embedded cathedral structure. The sharp, ragged and imposing rock forms fill Bomberg’s works from this period spent in Cuenca, capturing with ease the essence of the Spanish landscape.

Christo (1925-2020)

The sale also comprises a wrapped ‘package’ by Christo (1925-2020), one of his early examples of wrapped objects made during his time in Paris in 1963. The work was gifted by Christo to Constantine and Anouska Hempel c. 1967/68 during his stay at the Constantine Hotel in London, which was co-owned by the Hempels and a sister hotel to Blake’s.

Sir Alfred Munnings (1878-1959)

We are also pleased to bring to market for the very first time this double sided study by Sir Alfred Munnings for the completed picture of Lord Ivor Churchill and Charles Spencer-Churchill, 9^th Duke of Marlborough which is held in the Blenheim Palace collection. This rare panel depicts three studies of Lord Ivor Churchill in his sumptuous hunting pinks and top hat. Munnings’ swift, loose marks plan out the composition, experimenting with different positions of Churchill’s head and hands upon the reigns. Munnings has used very light, fast white strokes under the sitter to represent the horse. On the reverse of the panel the artist makes plans for the final composition which features Lord Ivor Churchill on a grey horse in the far right corner, Charles Spencer-Churchill in the centre and two further greys with their handler to the left. It is believed that the work was purchased directly from the artist by racehorse trainer Sir Jack Jarvis, who was knighted for his services to racing and one of the country’s leading trainers.

Mary Fedden (1915-2012)

The sale also comprises two early works, dating to 1955, by modern British artist Mary Fedden. The works were purchased the year they were created and have remained in the same private collection ever since. Each work features elements of Fedden’s most iconic motifs including pansies, lilies, birds and fruit.

Also consigned to sale are works by Duncan Grant, Graham Sutherland, Edward Bawden, Walter Sickert, Maurice Utrillo and Cedric Morris.

AUCTION DETAILS
Wednesday 19 October | 10.30am GMT
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

The printed auction catalogue will be available in late September. To ensure you never miss an auction, take out a catalogue subscription here, or alternatively you can sign up for email alerts here.

We are still welcoming entries. The consignment deadline is 5 September 2022. Please contact our picture specialists for a free auction valuation: +44 (0) 1635 553 553 | pictures@dreweatts.com

Alternatively, you can also complete our online valuation form, here.