A major collection of work by Sheffield-born sculptor George Fullard ARA (1923–1973) has sold for over £90,000 at RWB Auctions in Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire (November 26).
One piece of work, Three Women dated 1958 and the only known bronze cast, sold for £22,000 believed to be the highest value a single George Fullard piece has sold for globally.
Around 800 pieces were sold, including bronzes, drawings and ‘found-object’ sculptures making this the second ‘white glove’ sale for the auction house in consecutive months. This means all lots were sold and that’s a rare event for any auction house.
Many lots went to fans of George Fullard who studied his work, were already collectors or were art galleries want to exhibit his works.
Head auctioneer Gareth Wasp said: “We are thrilled and humbled by the huge interest in this unique sale of George Fullard’s works and many of those works will now being put on public display as well as others going to committed private collectors. We’re also pleased for his family members that these works are now going to new homes where they will be cherished as the works of art that they are.”
George Fullard was born in Sheffield, the son of a coal miner. He studied at the Sheffield College of Art, though 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.
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.
John Fullard, the artist’s nephew, used to visit his uncle in Chelsea. He said he watched him at work.
“I hope this sale brings renewed interest in the full range of his work and helps to restore his place in British art. We are delighted with the outcome of this sale,” John said.
The final auction of the year at RWB Auctions takes place on from Wednesday December 10 and features antiques, interiors, jewellery, silver, watches and coins. For more information visit https://rwbauctions.com/
Article from Scott Media
