Mallams Modern Art + Design Sale

Mallams Modern Art Sale embraces spirit of freedom and individuality

The 1950s &1960s was a period of renewed spirit and enthusiasm as people embraced life after the hardship from WWII.  Living standards improved for many and people began to embrace their freedom and express their individuality.  This is reflected in the art from this period which was often inspired by the thriving pop culture.

An artist who certainly embraced the exhilarating pace of the period was Domenico Gnoli, (3 May 1933 - 17 April 1970).  An Italian painter and stage designer, born in Rome Domenico studied stage design at the Accademia di Belle Arti, and began a short stint designing stages, for which he was well received.

Max Fisher, Head of Design & Post War British Art said:

“Sadly, due to Gnoli’s early death from cancer at just 36 not many of his works are now on public view with the majority in private collections in Italy.  Mallams are delighted to be offering one of his works, entitled “Man on the Beach” (Lot 130) in our forthcoming sale alongside other items from the same private collection”.

Max Fisher, Head of Design & Post War British Art

Lot 130 – “Man on the Beach”

His work designing stages for film and theatre may well have been the connection for this lot as it was owned by Enid Boulting, ((1928 – 2021) the model and wife of the famous film director Roy Boulting (1913 – 2001).

Lot 133, entitled “Red Rose” is attributed to the iconic artist and pop culture figure, Andy Warhol and was also gifted to Enid by Otto Fenn, an old friend of Warhol’s.

Lot 133 Attributed to Andy Warhol

Warhol was not only known for his paintings but also for his prolific work in film; producing or directing over 150 films of which over fifty are now preserved by the Museum of Modern Art.

Lot 129 Signed portrait of Enid Boulting by Thomas Kilburn

Lot 129 in the Modern Sale is a signed photograph of Enid which was taken by Thomas Kilburn in 1961.

There are over 800 lots in this two day sale, to view the full colour catalogue or visit www.mallams.co.uk 

Viewings are available in person at Bocardo House, 24 St Michaels Street, Oxford on the following days:

Friday 7 June 9am to 5pm

Saturday 8 June 9am to 1pm

Monday 10 June 9am to 5pm

Tuesday 11 June 9am to 5pm

Sale starts Wednesday 12 June at 11am,

Location: Bocardo House, 24a St Michael’s Street, OXFORD OX1 2EB