Mortimer Borne

BOUQUET Modernist Flowers in a Vase, Impasto Oil Painting

“Still Life, 1936” by Katharine "Kitty" Duff Church (British, 1910-1999). This large, early painting by Katherine Church is among her finest canvases of the period. Characterized by its bold color palette, simplified forms, and expressive brushwork, this composition centers around a tabletop adorned with various objects: potted plants, a ceramic dish, bottles, and what appear to be books or papers. The two potted plants provide contrasting elements: on the left, what appears to be a cyclamen with red blossoms and delicate leaves, and on the right, a lush green plant with darker foliage. These plants, painted with loose, textured strokes, add an organic quality to the otherwise structured arrangement. The tabletop is cluttered yet thoughtfully composed, featuring additional objects like a clear, faceted glass bowl, a small bottle, and books or pads in striking red and green. The dynamic use of color blocks and the juxtaposition of shapes (round pots against rectangular books) create a sense of rhythm and harmony. The background is darker and less defined, emphasizing the brightly lit tabletop. Church's brushwork is gestural and modernist, leaning toward abstraction, challenging traditional still life conventions. This painting reflects Church’s interest in balancing everyday objects with bold artistic expression. It conveys both the simplicity and complexity of daily life, transforming an ordinary moment into a vibrant and engaging work of art. This work is oil on canvas and is signed and dated in the lower right. It is housed in its original gessoed frame and retains various labels and inscriptions on the reverse. Size: 28.25 inches tall by 36 inches wide (painting) 34 inches tall by 42 inches wide by 2 inches deep (frame) Provenance: Private collection, NY; Acquired from the above About the artist: Born in Highgate, north London, Katharine Church, known as ‘Kitty’ amongst friends and family, always wanted to paint. She trained at the Royal Academy of Arts between 1930-1933 and at the Slade between 1933 and 1934. In her early years Kitty exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy. Her first solo exhibition was in 1933 at the Wertheim Gallery. Other artists who exhibited there included Christopher Wood, Victor Pasmore and Cedric Morris. Kitty also showed with the New English Art Club, the London Group and between 1937-1947 her work was exhibited at the influential Lefevre Gallery, which supported avant-garde artists such as Henry Moore, Ben Nicholson and Barbara Hepworth. In 1954 the artist was invited to take part in the Figures in their setting exhibition held at the Tate Gallery. Henry Tonks and Philip Wilson Steer had a strong influence on Kitty’s early work, but it was her friendship with Ivon Hitchens that liberated her painting technique. In 1936 Kitty married Anthony West, the son of writers Rebecca West and H.G. Wells. The couple initially lived in London before moving to Quarry Farm, Chicksgrove, Tisbury, near Salisbury, where they brought up their children Caroline and Edmund. There they hosted many of their friends, including the New Zealand painter Frances Hodgkins. Other regular visitors before the War included John and Mywafany Piper, Ralph and Frances Partridge, Noel and Catharine Carrington, Julian Trevelyan and Mary Fedden. For many of those who visited Kitty would organise painting expeditions. After the war Kitty and Anthony separated, with Anthony moving to the United States. Anthony West moved to the United States to work as a journalist for The New Yorker. In the early years after their parting Kitty visited most years with the children. In the 1960s Kitty purchased Sutton House and ran the Hambledon Gallery at Blandford Forum. There she promoted the work of her early art-school friends Mary Fedden and Julian Trevelyan, alongside work by the Pipers, John Craxton...

Artist/ School: Christof Gracieuse, signed and dated 1979 Title: 'Modernist Still life with teapot' Medium: oil on canvas, framed Framed: 23 x 38 inches Painting: 16 x 31 inches ...

"Ambiance a la Lampe Galle" by Bernard Fouchet (French 1932-2013) signed lower corner, titled verso in original frame with the artists monogram as part of the moulding canvas: 15 x 18 inches framed: 24 x 27 inches provenance: private collection, France Absolutely beautiful original painting by Bernard Fouchet (French 1932-2013). The work is signed to the front and back and titled verso too. Very rarely, it looks like the frame was custom made for or by the artist - as the monogram of BF is part of the moulding. The painting radiates colour and vibrancy, with this eclectic mix of still life objects on a table, set against this red/ orange backdrop of colours. Beautiful. Condition report: the painting is in very good condition. The frame has a couple of 'nibbles' to the corners but is fine. Bernard Fouchet was born in Cerdon-du-Loiret, France. He was the student of Augustine Memin who worked with Utrillo and Alfred Chagniot...

Artist/ School: L. Franck, French signed lower right, circa 1970's Title: Still Life of Flowers. Beautiful bursts of color and vibrant energetic brushwork. Medium: oil painting, on...

French School, late 20th century signed oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas: 13 x 16 inches provenance: private collection, France condition: very good and sound condition

Mid Century Naturaleza Muerta Con Mangoes (Still Life w. Mangoes) by Francisco Dosamantes Substantial and brilliant modernist still-life painting mangoes by Francisco Dosamantes (Mexico, 1911-1986) Exhibition label on verso (circa 1957), "Salon De Plasticas Mexicana - Instituto Nacional De Bellas Artes - Francisco Dosamantes, Naturaleza Muerta Con Mangoes." Image 24"H x 31.5"W. "Francisco Dosamantes was born in Mexico City on October 4, 1911. His father was Daniel Dosamantes who was a builder, interior decorator and painter. Since its founding in 1949, the Hall of Plastic Mexican SPM, has accommodated the most representative work of the national art. Throughout its existence they have been part of hundreds of painters, sculptors, engravers, designers, ceramists and photographers of all tendencies and generations. Jut names: Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Gerardo Murillo "Dr. Atl" Frida Kahlo, Rufino Tamayo, Francisco Dosamantes, Jorge González Camarena, Leopoldo Mendez...

French School, late 20th century signed oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas: 13 x 16 inches provenance: private collection, France condition: very good and sound condition

Artist: Elisabeth Hahn (German 1924-2021), Elisabeth Hahn was born in Dortmund, Germany, where she began her artistic studies. In 1953, she moved to Paris. She continued her studie...

French School, late 20th century signed oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas: 13 x 16 inches provenance: private collection, France condition: very good and sound condition

Red Poppies in Vase French School, mid 20th century signed oil on canvas, unframed canvas: 21.5 x 15 inches provenance: private collection condition: poor condition (ie: paint loss a...