The Paul Whitfield Collection at Mallams

Part of the art collection of the well-known auctioneer and collector, Paul Whitfield (1942-2018), is to be included in Mallams’ upcoming calendar of sales.

More than 200 lots will be featured, including modern British paintings, studio ceramics and Chinese and European bronzes.

The diverse works of art include paintings by Michael Ayrton, Graham Sutherland, Charles Gere, Arthur Gaskin, Frederick Griggs, and Bryan Ingham; potters including William Staite Murray, Charles Vyse and Emmanuel Cooper; Tiffany glass, transitional Chinese vases, and furniture by Alan Peters.

Paul Whitfield’s distinguished auctioneering career began in the furniture department at Christie’s in 1965 rising quickly through the ranks to become managing director at King Street by 1969. Later, he was instrumental in the setting up of Christie’s South Kensington. He was the son of the poet and writer Christopher Whitfield, an early friend of Michael Cardew in the 1920s, and a supporter of Frederick Landseer Griggs.

After Christie’s, he worked in roles at Bonhams, Sotheby’s, and finally Phillips. Passionate about his craft, he had a deep knowledge of many areas, including bronzes, furniture, ceramics, and modern British painting. This passion was reflected in his own collection, avidly compiled over his lifetime and housed at his Cotswold home outside Chipping Campden.

In retirement, he provided invaluable support to the north Cotswolds’ museums, as a trustee of the Guild of Handicraft Trust and the Court Barn Museum, as well as loaning works of art to the Winchcombe archive collection.