A collection of items which belonged to the late sculpture and graphic artist, Sir Eduardo Paolozzi (1924 -2005), will go under the hammer as part of the Cheffins Art & Design Sale on 26th October.
Consigned from the estate of Freda Paolozzi, Eduardo Paolozzi’s ex-wife, the collection includes a number of never-before-seen items created by the groundbreaking Scottish artist during his career. Freda Paolozzi was a textile designer and married Eduardo Paolozzi in 1951, the pair had a successful marriage living in Essex before divorcing in 1988, and Freda set up home in Cambridge until her death in 2023.
Included in the collection is a copper and brass table lamp, designed by Paolozzi, which is believed to be a one-off creation, having not been seen on the open market before, and which has an estimate of £400 - £600. In addition, there is a pair of wood relief blocks carved with Paolozzi’s signature geometric patterns, which are set to sell for £200 - £400, and a plaster cast relief, dated circa 1948. These are offered alongside a series of 16 screenprints, which were a part of Freda Paolozzi’s personal collection of works. Included in these are two signed and dated screenprints of Paolozzi’s Mr Peanut, which are set to sell for £400 - £600 apiece.
Paolozzi table lamp
The seller, Ella Jones Paolozzi, granddaughter of Freda Paolozzi, comments: ““I’m delighted that this very personal collection, once in the hands of my grandmother is to be offered for sale by Cheffins and that these works by my grandfather, the seminal artist Eduardo Paolozzi, are being given the opportunity to be enjoyed anew by both current and future generations of enthusiasts and collectors of his work.”
Martin Millard, Director, Cheffins says: “Eduardo Paolozzi was one of the leading figures in British art in the late 20th century and is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of Pop Art. This collection includes some fascinating items, many of which are fresh-to-market and are in keeping with Paolozzi’s signature geometric shapes and styles, which will be of interest for Paolozzi fans worldwide. The pieces on offer come with exceptional provenance, directly from the estate of local Cambridge resident, Freda Paolozzi, and will give collectors the opportunity to purchase works from one of the UK’s greatest artists.”
Paolozzi, Mr Peanut
In February 2024, Cheffins will also offer a Paolozzi bronze sculpture of a head titled Count Basie, and dated 1987, which is one of only two created, the other being on display at the Tate Modern. This piece has an estimate of £12,000 - £18,000.
Auction: The Art & Design Sale – 26th October from 10am
Location: Cheffins, Clifton House, 1-2 Clifton Road, Cambridge, UK, CB1 7EA