Paul Whitfield collection at Mallams

Part of the art collection of the well-known auctioneer and collector, Paul Whitfield (1942-2018), is to be included in Oxfordshire auction house Mallams’ upcoming calendar of sales.

More than 200 lots will be featured, including modern British paintings, studio ceramics and Chinese and European bronzes.

The diverse works of art include paintings by Michael Ayrton, Graham Sutherland, Charles Gere, Arthur Gaskin, Frederick Griggs, and Bryan Ingham; potters including William Staite Murray, Charles Vyse and Emmanuel Cooper; Tiffany glass, transitional Chinese vases, and furniture by Alan Peters.

Paul Whitfield’s distinguished auctioneering career began in in the furniture department at Christie’s in 1965 rising quickly through the ranks to become managing director at King Street by 1969. Later, he was instrumental in the setting up of Christie’s South Kensington. He was the son of the poet and writer Christopher Whitfield, an early friend of Michael Cardew in the 1920s, and a supporter of Frederick Landseer Griggs.

After Christie’s, he worked in roles at Bonhams, Sotheby’s, and finally Phillips. Passionate about his craft, he had a deep knowledge of many areas, including bronzes, furniture, ceramics, and modern British painting. This passion was reflected in his own collection, avidly compiled over his lifetime and housed at his Cotswold home outside Chipping Campden.

In retirement, he provided invaluable support to the north Cotswolds’ museums, as a trustee of the Guild of Handicraft Trust and the Court Barn Museum, as well as loaning works of art to the Winchcombe archive collection.

Lots from the Paul Whitfield Collection will include:-

Modern Living Sale, March 29

Lot 348. Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848-1933) glass vase, signed and numbered ‘L. C. T K1562’ to the base, with original paper label, 19cm high. Est: £400-600.

Modern Art & Design Sale, May 17

Rupert Spira (b.1960). Two bowls, flambé glaze with turquoise highlights, impressed potter’s seals, 8cm high, 24cm diameter (2). Est: £300-500.

Graham Sutherland (1903-1980), Hanger Hill, 1927, 14/77, signed and numbered in pencil (in the margin), etching 16 x 15cm. Est: £800-1200.

Emmanuel Cooper (1938-2012), Footed bowl, manganese glaze with turquoise interior, impressed potter’s seal, 7cm high, 12.5cm diameter. Est: £300-500.

William Staite Murray (1881-1962) vase, stoneware, with an iron glaze and single gold patch detail to the body, impressed potter’s seal, incised ‘KI/SKD’ and painted ’49’, 20cm high.  Est: £400-600.

Asian Art Sale, May 24

Pair of Wucai porcelain vases and covers. Chinese, Transitional period, 41 and 40.5cm high. Est: £5000-7000.