Augustus John portrait leads Dorset sale

The lifetime collection of the late Edward Marnier, an antique and fine art collector, will go under the hammer at Charterhouse Auctions in Dorset.

The sale will feature a selection of over 100 lots from his estate which vary from period furniture, rugs and  Asian Art, to ceramics and silver, but it was pictures which were the love of his life.

Highlight in the collection is a fine portrait of Brigit Mcnamara by Augustus John OM RA, one of the leading 20th-century Welsh artists, estimated at £15,000-20,000. Edwards mother was frequently painted by Augustus John and Edward spent much time as a child at Augustus John’s house.

Born in Tenby in 1868, Augustus Edwin John OM RA was a draughtsman, etcher and painter. For a time, he was considered the most important artist at work in Britain and died at Fordingbridge in 1961.

Auctioneer Richard Bromell, said: “Edward certainly had a great eye for antiques and fine art. Overall, his collection is estimated to sell for over £50,000 with lots valued from £50 to £20,000.”