Edward Bawden works in Modern British Picture sale

Two works by Edward Bawden will be some of the highlights of the Contemporary Art, Editions and Modern British Pictures at Surrey auction house Ewbank’s on January 26.

Cattle Market, Braintree (1938), a 50 x 74cm lithograph in colours; and Floral Hall, Covent Garden (1965), a 45 x 60cm signed linocut in colours will both go under the hammer. The limited edition artist’s proof is numbered 14/75. Each is estimated at £1,000-2,000.

A signed watercolour by John Aldridge RA (1905-83) entitled Genzano is another highlight of the sale. Measuring 37 x 55cm, it dates to Aldridge’s Italian tour in 1952 and is a fine example of the work of one of the much sought-after Great Bardfield artists, the influential community of artists who lived in and near to the village of Great Bardfield in Essex during the 1930s to 1970s .

Aldridge has become increasingly popular in recent years, joining the likes of Eric Ravilious (1903-1942) and Edward Bawden (1903-89), among the community of Great Bardfield, in attracting higher prices.

He moved to Great Bardfield in 1933, befriending Bawden, his neighbour, and joining him in designing Bardfield wallpapers for Cole & Sons.

The estimate for the watercolour is £400-600.