WORKS OF ART FROM THE ESTATE OF UNSUNG BRITISH MODERNISTS LAURENCE AND ELEANOR SCARFE

KINGHAMS BRINGS TO AUCTION WORKS OF ART FROM THE ESTATE OF UNSUNG BRITISH MODERNISTS LAURENCE AND ELEANOR SCARFE | 21-22nd JANUARY

Kinghams Auctioneers are delighted to present an extensive collection of work from the estates of artists Laurence Scarfe (British, 1914-1993) and his wife Eleanor.

 

Laurence Scafe is an eminent figure in British Modernism and contributed significantly to the visual culture of Britain in the second half of the 20th century. Sharing stylistic similarities with contemporaries John Nash, David Gentleman, John Piper and Eric Ravilious, Scarfe’s work is underpinned by his ability as a draughtsman, his bold use of colour, clearly delineated forms and compositional balance.

 

Born in Idle, Yorkshire, Scarfe attended the Shipley School of Art, before, like his fellow Bradfordian David Hockney, graduating to studying painting at the Royal College of Art in the 1930s. Scarfe, a member of the Society of Mural Painters and Fellow of the Society of Industrial Artists, found early success as a muralist on the British Pavilion at the Paris 1937 Exposition Internationale and the Festival of Britain’s South Bank Site. As a graphic designer, Scarfe was a key contributor to Motif, a ground-breaking visual culture magazine, first published in 1958 under editor Ruari McLean, featuring the work of Eduardo Paolozzi, Milton Glasser and Peter Blake.

Laurence Scarfe, cover design for Issue 4 of 'Motif' visual culture journal, c.1960, lino and silkscreen print, 33 by 53cm, framed Est. £80-120

Commissions of national significance followed; Kinghams are excited to offer Scarfe’s design records, unseen since their exhibition in the 1960s, for the Royal Coat of Arms commissioned by the Central Office of Information. An invaluable insight into the artist’s process, these lots collectively paint a fascinating picture of the trials and tribulations Scarfe

faced as a liberated creative attempting to breathe the modernising atmosphere of the post-war, swinging sixties into the definitive symbol of the British establishment, apparently against immutable establishment’s wishes!

 

Laurence Scarfe, Royal Coat of Arms commissioned by the Central Office of Information, 1963, gold heightened silkscreen colour print, 100 by 73cm, framed Est. £200-400

Scarfe’s work is held in all major National Collections: the Tate, Victoria and Albert Museum, the Imperial War Museum, (DCMS) Government Art Collection, London Transport Museum, etc. However, to our knowledge, there is no extant example of Scarfe’s work as a sculptor. Thus, it is a privilege to offer this charming group of bronzes dating to the mid-1950s modelled as male swimmers, at an estimate of £200-400.

Laurence Scarfe, a group of patinated bronze sculptures, incised with artist's monogram 'L S' and dated 1956 to base, 9cm high, 13cm wide (5) Est. £200-400

“This is a unique opportunity to see and purchase a collection that spans the creative life of a British Modernist artist, who deserves wider recognition as a figure that contributed significantly to the visual culture of the United Kingdom.” 

Tarragon Kelham, Auctioneer and Head of Interiors

The Laurence Scarfe Collection, offered in the Cotswold Interiors and Collectables Sale, 21st-22nd January

Private Preview from 6pm, Friday 16th January, Refreshments Provided

Kinghams Auctioneers & Valuers

10-12 Cotswold Business Village London Road Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0JQ