25th Jun, 2026 10:00
John Tunnard – The Brian Whitton Collection Part Two
§ John Tunnard - Abstract composition | watercolour, pen and ink
John Tunnard
(1900-1971)
Abstract Composition,
watercolour, pen, and ink,
Artist's estate stamp to the verso, (c.1939),
38.5 x 56cms, 65 x 82cms in frame.
Provenance:
-Label verso partially removed, Brit Artists: Works....1900-1950, April 1989 No.... (listed as Abstract Composition);
-Brian A Whitton states: "Almost certainly this is Sotheby's London, 23rd June 1999, Lot 36";
-Scolar Fine Art sold to Brian A Whitton, 29th September 2000.
Literature:
-Alan Peat and Brian A. Whitton, John Tunnard, His Life and Work, Scolar Press, 1997. There are two listings for 'Abstract 1939' of this size, 122 and 937. The latter having been exhibited in Guggenheim Jeune (Mar/April 1939).
Notes:
Although Tunnard exhibited at the surrealist exhibition in Cambridge organised by Julian Trevelyan in 1936 and in the surrealist section of the Artist International Exhibition in 1937, he never joined any surrealist group. The Surrealist group was highly prescriptive and to be a member you had to conform to their principles, therefore, he avoided formal membership of a group, although he liked company and was highly sociable. He was corresponding with several artists at the time, including Henry Moore. By the end of the 1930s, he was in contact with many well-known British artists, such as Trevelyan, Ivon Hitchens, and Ben Nicholson, as well as American artists. Although Tunnard was keen to learn from others, most paintings in the late 1930s indicate his attempt to develop his own style, though occasionally the particular influence of another artist is evident, such as that of Nicholson in this work. His works in this period show the formal influence of constructivism.
Sold for £1,800
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Auction: John Tunnard – The Brian Whitton Collection Part Two, 25th Jun, 2026
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Following Parts One and Two of the Brian Whitton Collection - which together drew international attention and introduced new audiences to one of the most significant private collections of John Tunnard's work ever assembled - Anderson & Garland is proud to present the third and final chapter to be offered for sale 16th September 2026..
Part Three steps beyond Tunnard to reveal the full breadth of Brian's eye as a collector. Over decades of looking, acquiring, and living with art, Brian assembled a remarkable group of modern and contemporary works that reflect a sensibility both discerning and adventurous; the collection of a man who clearly understood Tunnard's restless curiosity because, in many ways, he shared it.
If you are a collector and are considering selling, don’t hesitate to get in touch and our specialists will be delighted to discuss details.
Request a free valuation through our simple online form, and our team will be in touch with straightforward, expert advice.
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Tues 23/06/26 10am-3pm
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