Abstract art collection donated to Cambridge museum now offered at auction

Cheffins will offer the 36 works on February 25 which includes pieces by the likes of renowned artists John Blackburn (b.1932) and Paul Feiler (1918-2013).

The collection was formed by the late architect John Ady.

Ady left his collection to Kettle’s Yard when he died in 2019. He had met Jim Ede, creator of the house museum and gallery in Cambridge, in 1958 and the pair enjoyed a lifelong friendship.

Director at Cheffins Brett Tryner said the funds raised will go towards “continuing to produce exhibitions and events at Kettle’s Yard, caring for the collection and supporting artists”.

Having been a collector of abstract art throughout his life, Ady formed close friendships with many artists including Blackburn and seven works by the painter are offered at the sale with estimates ranging from £400-3000.

Squares and splits

‘Black and White Split’ by John Blackburn, a work from the John Ady collection which is being sold on behalf of Kettle’s Yard in Cambridge. It is estimated at £700-1000 at the Cheffins auction.

Among the works on offer at the auction is Black and White Split from 2009 which Ady bought from London dealer Osborne Samuel. The 20.5 x 10.5in (52 x 27cm) mixed media on board, pictured top, is estimated at £700-1000.

View the catalogue entry for this John Blackburn abstract on thesaleroom.com.

‘Small Cream Square’ by John Blackburn, a work from the John Ady collection which is being sold on behalf of Kettle’s Yard in Cambridge. It is estimated at £2000-3000 at the Cheffins auction.

Another Blackburn lot is a large mixed media on board titled The Small Cream Square which Ady had acquired from Lemon Street Gallery in Cornwall. Dating from 2010 (reworked in 2012), it measures 4ft x 22in (1.22m x 56cm) and is estimated at £2000-3000.

View the catalogue entry for this John Blackburn abstract on thesaleroom.com.

‘Brown L’s’ by John Blackburn. It is estimated at £400-600 at Cheffins.

Blackburn’s abstracts have been described as enigmatic compositions relating to the fundamental experience of life and another example at the Cheffins sale is Brown L’s, a 10.25 x 12.5in (26 x 32cm) oil on board from 1963.

It is estimated at £400-600. View the catalogue entry for this John Blackburn abstract on thesaleroom.com.

Abstract sculpture

Abstract stoneware bowl by Peter Fluck – estimated at £70-100 at Cheffins.

Among the works by other artists at the sale are some more affordable examples, such as an abstract stoneware bowl by Peter Fluck (b.1941).

Fluck was a creator of caricatures for the satirical puppet comedy television show Spitting Image but more recently has become an artist, sculptor, ceramist and printmaker. Measuring 11.75in (30cm) wide, this example is estimated at £70-100.

View the catalogue entry for this Peter Fluck stoneware bowl on thesaleroom.com.

Snowballing

Snowballing by Henrietta Dubrey – estimated at £100-150 at Cheffins.

 Also pitched at the more affordable end of the spectrum is a small abstract painting by Henrietta Dubrey (b.1966).

Snowballing, a 6 x 11in (15 x 28cm) oil on canvas (laid onto board) dates from 2006 and demonstrates the spontaneous technique and lyrical qualities of her work. It is estimated at £100-150 at Cheffins.

View the catalogue entry for this Henrietta Dubrey abstract on thesaleroom.com.