Walter Ritchie Sold at Auction Prices

b. 1919 - d. 1997

Walter Ritchie was introduced to sculpture while studying at Coventry School of Art by Victor Candey, the then Vice-Principle, and the medium became a life-long passion for the Artist. Initially creating works which were modelled and cast, he went on to discover direct carving, which became his favoured technique. Taught the basic elements by local masons, he then went on to Hornton Quarries in North Oxfordshire to continue his training. First visiting the Pigotts workshop of Eric Gill in Buckinghamshire age 18, Ritchie went on to become one of Gill's pupils from 1938-9. During his time with Gill, Ritchie also met Donald Potter, a former assistant of Gill's who had his own sculpture workshop nearby and who taught Ritchie much about the techniques of carving wood. Alongside working in these traditional materials, Ritchie went on to undertake a number of public commissions – the most famous of these being a sculpture of Len Hutton at the Oval cricket ground – a great many of which were sculpted in brick, allowing him to realise his vision of the art work and building being as one.

Read Full Artist Biography

0 Lots

Sort By:

Categories

    Auction Date

    Seller

    Seller Location

    Price Range

    to
    • AR Walter Ritchie (British, 1919-1997) Lovers 26.5cm (10 7/16in) (high, excluding base)
      Jul. 10, 2018

      AR Walter Ritchie (British, 1919-1997) Lovers 26.5cm (10 7/16in) (high, excluding base)

      Est: £1,500 - £2,500

      Walter Ritchie (British, 1919-1997) Lovers Kauri pine26.5cm (10 7/16in) (high, excluding base)Executed in 1939 We are grateful to Sally Taylor for her assistance in cataloguing this lot. ProvenanceGifted by the Artist as a wedding present to the previous owner, and by descentPrivate Collection, U.K.LiteratureWalter Ritchie, Walter Ritchie Sculpture, Lithomaster, Warwick, 1994, cat.no.96, ill. b&w p.76

      Bonhams
    • AR Walter Ritchie (British, 1919-1997) The Sower 44.5 x 30 x 3.7cm (17 1/2 x 11 13/16 x 1 7/16in).
      Jul. 10, 2018

      AR Walter Ritchie (British, 1919-1997) The Sower 44.5 x 30 x 3.7cm (17 1/2 x 11 13/16 x 1 7/16in).

      Est: £2,500 - £3,500

      Walter Ritchie (British, 1919-1997) The Sower signed and dated 'W RITCHIE 38' (lower right)stone with paint44.5 x 30 x 3.7cm (17 1/2 x 11 13/16 x 1 7/16in).We are grateful to Sally Taylor for her assistance in cataloguing this lot. ProvenanceGifted by the Artist to John Lloyd, and thence by descentPrivate Collection, U.K.Walter Ritchie was introduced to sculpture while studying at Coventry School of Art by Victor Candey, the then Vice-Principle, and the medium became a life-long passion for the Artist. Initially creating works which were modelled and cast, he went on to discover direct carving, which became his favoured technique. Taught the basic elements by local masons, he then went on to Hornton Quarries in North Oxfordshire to continue his training. First visiting the Pigotts workshop of Eric Gill in Buckinghamshire age 18, Ritchie went on to become one of Gill's pupils from 1938-9, later writing of the experience: 'his technical skill was a revelation...I could not have wished for a finer or more generous master' (Walter Ritchie, Sculpture in Brick and Other Materials, Cheney & Sons Ltd, Banbury, 1978, p.8). During his time with Gill, Ritchie also met Donald Potter, a former assistant of Gill's who had his own sculpture workshop nearby and who taught Ritchie much about the techniques of carving wood. Alongside working in these traditional materials, Ritchie went on to undertake a number of public commissions – the most famous of these being a sculpture of Len Hutton at the Oval cricket ground – a great many of which were sculpted in brick, allowing him to realise his vision of the art work and building being as one. The two works offered here, the first of Ritchie's sculptures ever to come to auction, are masterful examples of his skill in carving. Ritchie would first create preparatory sketches before drawing directly onto the stone or wood, a process which, unique to direct carving in being without preliminary maquettes or models, allows the medium itself to suggest the final form each sculpture assumes. Here, the choice of Kauri pine for Lovers and stone (thought to be Hopton Wood stone) for The Sower lends each a distinct quality innate to the material. The muscular, labouring figure of the sower is echoed in the unyielding nature of the stone, whilst the more sensual embrace of the lovers is perfectly suited to the softer pine, allowing an exquisite fluidity of line and expression.

      Bonhams
    • Walter Ritchie (British, 1919-1997) 18ct gold and amethyst single stone ring the circular mixed-cut amethyst in stylised six-claw setting
      May. 19, 2016

      Walter Ritchie (British, 1919-1997) 18ct gold and amethyst single stone ring the circular mixed-cut amethyst in stylised six-claw setting

      Est: £200 - £300

      Walter Ritchie (British, 1919-1997) 18ct gold and amethyst single stone ring the circular mixed-cut amethyst in stylised six-claw setting hallmarked for Birmingham 1971, rubbed maker's mark ring size U. Provenance: Accompanied by original amethyst purchase receipt issued by Oscar D. Fahy of Birmingham, addressed to Walter Ritchie, dated 30th November 1971

      Mallams
    Lots Per Page:

    Popular Artists

    Devices

    Get Invaluable on Your Phone

    Download the app via text link to get instantly notified if you’re outbid and receive auction reminders so you never miss out!

    Bid On-the-Go!

    Download the Invaluable app and never miss an auction from your iOS or Android device.

    App Store badgeGoogle Play badge
    Invaluable Logo

    As the world's leading online auction marketplace, thousands of auction houses use Invaluable to deepen relationships with millions of clients around the world. Stay connected to the things you love with curated items and auctions sent to your inbox.

    You can unsubscribe at any time. View ourPrivacy Policy.

    © 1986-2024 Invaluable, LLC. and participating auction houses. All Rights Reserved.

    TermsSubscription AgreementPrivacy PolicyCopyrightGDPR InfoPrivacy ChoiceYour Privacy ChoicesSite Map