Bonhams has been conducting Modern British auctions for more than 20 years where Mary Fedden’s work has consistently featured. In March 2007, an auction world record was achieved at Bonhams for Still Life with Amaryllis and a Chair by Mary Fedden which sold for five times its estimate to realise £54,000.
Bonhams will be holding a three day exhibition representing Fedden’s passion and dedication to painting from 1950 to present day – one of the most popular and loved artists in the UK. The exhibition, will preview alongside Bonhams 20th Century British Art sale from Sunday 29 June – Wednesday 2 July. The exhibition includes three fresh works painted by Mary Fedden at the age of 92, proving that a true artist never retires.
Mary Fedden says, “I feel deprived when I’m not painting. I don’t mean every moment of the day but if several days go by and I can’t paint, I feel that I am longing to get back to it. There are always distractions but I try to paint everyday.”
“I love painting and sometimes I paint a picture that I like very much and quite often I paint pictures where I think I have just wasted my time – they are just hopeless but all you can do is stagger on and hope that you do a good one. I’ve always been drawn to still lifes . I do paint landscapes but I don’t really get on with landscapes – Still life is always what I love. I can’t think why but there is always something there to paint. I like painting objects. I like mugs and jugs and objects and shapes.”
Head of 20th century British Art Matthew Bradbury says, “We are extremely grateful to the artist herself for allowing us to hold this exhibition. Our thanks also goes to all the private collectors who have generously lent their paintings and made the exhibition possible.”
Works in the exhibition include: Basket of Lemons, By The Moonlight, Summer, Fishing Boats, Anemones, Black Tulips and Quinces. Mary Fedden’s new paintings at 92 include The Jug, Sweetcorn and The Pineapple and – produced in 2007.
Works in the 20th Century British Art sale include:
oil on canvas, Fruit – estimated at £25,000-35,000 and Two Fish – estimated at £6,000-8,000.
http://www.bonhams.com/fedden/
