East Anglian-based auctioneer, Cheffins, will offer a series of important 20th century artworks on behalf of Kettle’s Yard House and Gallery, Cambridge.
Cheffins will be selling works from the John Ady collection, which had been left to Kettle’s Yard following his death in 2019. Comprising of 29 pieces including pictures, bronzes and ceramics, the collection could potentially raise up to around £35,000 for the gallery. John Ady was born in 1931 in Cambridge and was educated at The Perse School. Following time spent in the USA, Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia, John Ady met Jim Ede, creator of Kettle’s Yard in 1958 and the pair enjoyed a lifelong friendship. Having been a collector of abstract modern art throughout his life, John Ady enjoyed close friendships with numerous artists including the painter John Blackburn, of whose there are seven works within the collection.
Highlights of the John Ady collection include seven paintings by John Blackburn and also a picture by Paul Feiler (German, 1918 – 2013), which has an estimate of £12,000 - £18,000. In addition, there is a picture by Prunella Clough (British, 1919 – 2013) which has an estimate of £4,000 - £6,000.
Also from Kettle’s Yard is a collection of six pictures from artist Alan Reynolds, (British, 1926 – 2014), which he left directly to the gallery. Reynolds also had a close relationship with Kettle’s Yard, including a solo exhibition in 2003, and a monograph written in 2011 by Director Michael Harrison. The collection includes both original and signed prints including a facsimile by Georges Braque with an estimate of £300 - £500, and an etching by Sonia Delaunay which has an estimate of £700 - £1,000.
Brett Tryner, Director, Cheffins, says: “Kettle’s Yard will be selling some 35 artworks at the Cheffins Art & Design sale with the funds going towards continuing work producing exhibitions and events, caring for the collection and supporting artists. Kettle’s Yard represents one of the most important collections of modern and contemporary art in the country and we are delighted to have the opportunity to offer some of these incredibly significant items at auction.”
“Along with another consignment from Peter Simpson, a London-based collector, the sale now has the largest number of John Blackburn pictures to ever come available at auction and these ought to sell for healthy prices as the market for British abstract art continues to gather pace. The Peter Simpson collection also has a Kettle’s Yard connection, with an important Henri Gaudier-Brzeska sculpture, which has an estimate of £12,000 - £18,000, which was probably purchased directly from Jim Ede, set to go under the hammer.”
Andrew Nairne, Director of Kettle’s Yard says: “Kettle’s Yard relies on the generous support of donors. Legacies like these enable us to care for the Kettle’s Yard House and collection, make special exhibitions, commission artists and composers, engage with local communities and organise activities for children and young people.”
There will be 35 items in total being sold on behalf of Kettle’s Yard.
Auction: The Art & Design Sale, 25th February 2021
Location: Cheffins, Clifton House, 1-2 Clifton Road, Cambridge, UK, CB1 7EA
For further information contact the Fine Art Department on 01223 213343, fine.art@cheffins.co.uk