Cheffins will be offering the contents of the studio of the famous costume designer, Michael Stennett, at the Art & Design sale on 24th February.
Michael Stennett had an illustrious career as a costume designer, working in partnership with The Metropolitan Opera, New York, The Royal Opera House, Drottningholm Court Theatre, Sweden, English National Opera, Ottawa Festival, Malmö Ballet, Welsh National Opera and, extensively, with the Australian Opera. He designed costumes for many famous performers, including Rudolf Nureyev, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Glenda Jackson, and, perhaps most notably, for his close friend, Dame Joan Sutherland.
Michael Stennett with Dame Joan Sutherland
Based in Yoxford, near Sudbury, Michael Stennett retired from the stage and screen in 1994 and developed his career as a painter before passing away in September 2020.
Included in the collection are approximately 300 paintings and drawings by Michael Stennett, including costume designs for performances from 1967 through to 1984 including ‘Le Nozze di Figaro’ from the Australian Opera, ‘Swan Lake’ from the Malmo Ballet, ‘Julius Caesar’ from the English National Opera and ‘Werther’ from The Royal Opera House amongst others.
Two designs for Cavalliera Rusticana and I Pagliacci, The Australian Opera, 1989, by Michael Stennett, estimate £200 - £400
However, alongside the costume designs, there are also a series of artworks by Michael which showcase his talent as a painter. These include several paintings of Aldeburgh, including roofscapes and other scenes and various other East Anglian landscapes There is also a series of fantasy landscapes and a number of portraits and self-portraits as well as also sculptures including one titled ‘La Danse’ after the famous Matisse painting, which Michael made from a wire armature, sponge, leather and silk thread.
Lot 310, Roofscape, Aldeburgh by Michael Stennett, estimate £100 - £200
These original works illustrate parts of Michael’s personality beyond his professional scope as a designer. He was known to have regularly exhibited his work in Aldeburgh and Snape and the Barnsdale Gallery, as well as tutoring a ‘Portrait Group’ in Yoxford. His influence was far-reaching, and he was also friends with several other artists, including Tessa Newcomb. Included in the sale will be three oil paintings, which Tessa created for Michael, one of which reads ‘Happy New Year to exuberant, sexy, brave (Michael) and slightly silly x’ and these have an estimate of £200 - £400. There is also a portrait of Michael and his dog, Billy, by Scottish artist Jennifer McRae and a series of works by German painter, Olga Lehmann, including a self-portrait and views of Saffron Walden and Holywood Hills.
Three oil paintings by Tessa Newcomb, estimate £200 - £400
This collection represents an opportunity to buy original works associated with one of the greatest figures in 20th century opera. Michael Stennett was known the world over for his unparalleled designs and the influence he had over costume design in terms of both on the stage and on television. With estimates ranging from around £100 to £500, there is something amongst this collection for everyone.
The net proceeds of the sale of the Collection will be gifted to the Historic Royal Palaces.
To view the items in the Michael Stennett Collection, please click here.