A major collection of work by Sheffield-born sculptor George Fullard ARA (1923–1973) will be auctioned at RWB Auctions in Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire later this month. (November 26)
Around 800 pieces will be sold, including bronzes, drawings and ‘found-object’ sculptures (a found object sculpture is a work of art made of objects which were not originally intended for that purpose). Many items have never been seen at auction before. Every item will be offered without reserve, giving collectors, dealers and art lovers the chance to buy work by one of post-war Britain’s most original sculptors.
George Fullard was born in Sheffield, the son of a coal miner. He studied at the Sheffield College of Art, but his training was interrupted by the Second World War. Serving with the 17th/21st Lancers, he was seriously injured at the Battle of Monte Cassino in 1944. Those experiences stayed with him and shaped much of his later work.
After the war, he studied at the Royal College of Art and went on to teach at Chelsea School of Art, where he became known for his inventive use of materials and found objects. His work is now part of major collections including the Tate, the V&A and the Arts Council. Public sculptures can also be found in Sheffield, Norwich and other cities across the UK.
The sale shows real range, from framed drawings and mixed media works to bronzes and large sculptural forms. One piece stands close to six feet tall, giving a striking sense of scale within the collection.
Head Auctioneer Gareth Wasp said he had enjoyed cataloguing the collection and getting a sense of how Fullard worked.
“Some of the sketches have a quiet depth to them that feels very personal,” he said. “You can see how ideas first explored in his drawings later found their way into his sculptures.”
John Fullard, the artist’s nephew, said: “George’s work spans tenderness and toughness, shaped by wartime injury, family and a fierce sense of fairness.”
Remembering his uncle’s studio, John said, “I used to visit George in Chelsea, watching him work with an intensity and energy that lives on in his drawings and sculpture.”
He added: “I hope this sale brings renewed interest in the full range of his work and helps to restore his place in British art.”
Public viewings will take place at 144 High St, Royal Wootton Bassett, Swindon SN4 7AB on Monday 24 November (9.30am–4.30pm) and Tuesday 25 November (9.30am–7pm). Bidding will be available in person, online via Easy Live Auction and The Saleroom, or by phone on the day of the sale. Global shipping is available through RWB Auctions’ delivery partners. For more information about RWB Auctions visit https://rwbauctions.com/
Article from Scott Media
