Elizabeth Taylor Sells Her Father's Nudes For £29,000

Pencil sketches prove popular at Chiswick Fine Art Auction

They were considered by their creator Augustus John to be unworthy of public viewing let alone for sale however, the sketches that sparked such interest netted Elizabeth Taylor £29,000.

Inherited from her father, the film star decided to sell the collection of nudes in Chiswick this week because she feels an affinity with the area.

"She filmed at Chiswick House many years ago. She also used to go to a pub in Chiswick High Road with Richard Burton," explained Chiswick Auctions Fine Art Expert Jan Lehman.

The 44 drawings of female nude studies and portraits had estimates ranging from £200 to £800 however the sale attracted such numbers both online and the saleroom that many lots went more than their guide prices.

“Study of a Seated Female Nude with Raised Left Knee,” was sold for £1,900, nearly four times its estimate whilst the pencil-and-watercolor “Study of a Standing Female Nude” which was identified as being likely to be of Caitlin Thomas, wife of the Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, sold for £1,750.

The auction was “one of the best sales we’ve had in a long time,” said Leman.

Ms Taylor, however, was not in attendance.

“We didn’t expect her to be here," said Leman. “I don’t think that I have to tell you, but she’s a busy lady."

September 30, 2010