Forum Auctions
Lot 56
Wade (Charles Paget, 1883-1956) Six studies of farmhouses in rural France, pencil and black chalk, six sheets between approx. 90 x 65 mm (3 1/2 x 2 1/2 in) and 100 x 140 mm (5 1/2 x 3 1/4 in), presented in one mount, minor surface dirt and light browning, framed, [early 20th century]Provenance:The Wade Collection, from Wade's library, Temple Fortune, North London;Ben Weinreb, London Collection of John and Eileen Harris*** Charles Paget Wade was an English architect, artist-craftsman and poet of Afro-Caribbean descent; today he is perhaps best remembered for the eclectic collection he amassed during his life, a collection which can be seen at Snowshill Manor, his former home in the village of Snowshill, Gloucestershire, which he gave to the National Trust in 1951. In 1919, after service in France during World War I, Wade purchased the estate at Snowshill, which he restored – first the manor house, then the gardens – over the next four years. Having started collecting at the age of 7, Wade eventually built up a collection of more than 22,000 items of furniture, clothing, paintings, and many other pieces which reflected his interest in colour, design and good craftsmanship. He housed the collection in the manor house at Snowshill, choosing to live in a small cottage in the garden. He continued to add to his collection over the years. The objects he collected included musical instruments, clocks, bicycles, and 26 sets of samurai armour.During his lifetime, Wade gained some renown for his creation of a miniature 18th century Cornish fishing village, which he named Wolf's Cove. Wade rendered its houses, harbour, fishing boats and gear, and inhabitants, in 1:10 to 1:12 scale, from wood, straw, plaster, textiles and other materials. Over time, he expanded Wolf's Cove such that it attracted hundreds of visitors a year, including Virginia Woolf, Queen Mary, and the poet John Betjeman. [Wikipedia]
