Huge Success For St. Mary's Convent Art Fundraiser
Nursing home raises over forty thousand pounds to expand
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Prices soared way above pre-sale estimates in the art auction held at St Mary's Convent and Nursing Home last Saturday to achieve a stunning total of £41,500. An oil painting of a port by Julian Trevelyan, husband of Mary Fedden, who lived on Chiswick Mall achieved the top price, selling for £5,600. Fiercely contested for by bidders in the room and on the telephone, it came down to a battle between two private collectors bidding via the telephone.
(An Altercation, Sir Peter Blake RA, 2009)
Another highlight of the sale included an elegaic scene of a couple picnicking in Chiswick House Grounds with children playing chase in the background by Anthea Craigmyle that sold for £3,100. Top prices were also paid for a series of prints including one by Peter Blake and two by Ben Johnson each inspired by their love of Italy.
British inspiration came in the form of two lino cuts by Marthe Armitage which sold for £1,100 each, one inspired by her flight in a Tiger Moth, and a bucholic landscape by Sibella Makower that sold for £1,850.
(Space For Reflection, Ben Johnson)
Adrian Biddell who was the auctioneer was delighted with the result, commenting: 'It was wonderful to get so much support from the artists who were so generous in their donations, and then for the event itself to really galvanise the community. There was a great hum of interest during two busy days of viewing, and for the auction itself the Convent dining room was completely packed, bidders lined the room and sat on the floor and all 52 lots in the sale were sold.'
Sister Jennifer was equally enthusiastic after the sale: '£41,500 is a fantastic boost to our fund raising efforts for the bungalows, and puts us to within £50,000 of the target of £1m to fully fund the project. I am so grateful to everyone who has helped in so many ways, giving their talents, their time, their enthusiasm and their immense goodwill. And it was lovely to be able to welcome so many through the Convent doors during the two day event.
(Anthea Craigmyle, Picnic in Chiswick Park)
Cecil Beaton photograph of James Pope-Hennessy in the Grounds of Chiswick House in January 1941. The photograph has been donated by Sotheby’s.
September 1, 2014
