This collection is the work of children, artists, teachers, mentors and friends John Gilby Bowles, a child, artist, teacher, mentor and other well-known names, including LS Laurie, Henry Moore and others.
After Bowles' death in 2011, all his studio content, including over 100 paintings, and drawings and sketches from over 50 sketchbooks, were bequeathed to his adopted son.
The collection has been kept for the past 10 years in France, where the family lived in Normandy, and then for the past three years on a stable block of farms the family currently owns in North Yorkshire.
Family discussions about the future of the collection led to the decision to invite Duggleby Stephenson Fine Art Specialist, Coralie Thomson.
Thomson said:
“Absolute joy.
“Dozens of paintings by incredible artists and teachers covering everything from landscapes, street scenes, portraits to still lifes, records, surrealism.
“Added to that, the treasure trove included over 50 of his sketchbooks, packed with his sketches, drawings, ideas and ideas.”
Ms. Thomson also shed light on Bowles' life, saying, “He was born in the Peak district of Tansley near Matlock, but the family later moved to Kent and studied at Gravessend Art School before winning a scholarship to the Royal College of Art in the early 1950s.
“This was when he began to develop intimate friendships with some of the most influential people in the art world, including Henry Moore, Dick Fozard and LS Raleigh.
“Lorie became a particularly close friend, not only encouraged and inspired Bowles, but also helped her with the first major exhibition, a one-man show at the Monks Hall Museum in Eccles in 1965.
“Expands have continued across the country, including London, and his work has been exhibited at the Royal Academy of Arts, Royal British Academy, and the Royal Society of Portraits of the Royal Society.
“His paintings are today in both public and private collections around the world, including V&A.”
She added: “Bowles was a child genius.
“He first picked up a paintbrush at the age of 10 and didn't stop painting or painting until three days before he passed away in the hospital in 2011.”
Fifty pieces, including the first tranches of the collection, oil paintings, watercolors and sketches, were auctioned at York's amazing & affordable art auction on Friday (March 21) at the Dugly & Affordable Art Auction in York.
For more information, please visit www.dugglebystephenson.com
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