20th-century art collection offered in Gloucestershire

An important collection of 20th century art is to be auctioned in Cheltenham next month. The collection of art, sculpture and design was a labour of love for Gloucestershire collector, the late Maurice Costley.

20th-century ceramics feature strongly, including three works by the highly regarded and sought-after ceramicist Lucie Rie and a ‘blown away’ stoneware vase by Elizabeth Fritsch. The Cotswold Auction Company director, Liz Poole, said: “This truly is a spectacular collection of 20th century art, featuring works by Lucie Rie and Elizabeth Fritsch amongst others.

“Mr Costley built up his collection over 40 years, starting in the 1980s with purchases of East Anglian art before developing a wider passion for modern art and sculpture. He enjoyed regular visits to some of the country’s top galleries, gathering an extensive collection of paintings, sculpture and ceramics over his lifetime.”

Two Terence Coventry bronzes were purchased from the Pangolin Gallery in Stroud – both feature in the Cheltenham sale, along with works by Reg Butler and Peter Randall-Page. The renowned Scottish artist Craigie Aitchison (1926-2009) became a friend – four of his oils and three limited edition prints will be offered.

Other notable artists in the sale include Edward Seago, Alberto Morocco, Carel Weight, Paul Fordyce Maitland, Mick Rooney, Julian Bailey, Campbell Archibald Mellon, Maggie Hambling, Gwen John and John Alfred Arnesby-Brown.

Mr Costley was an avid collector of Josef Herman watercolours, and these will also come under the hammer.