Lot 80: Robert Clatworthy, R.A. (b. 1928)

Robert Clatworthy, R.A. (b. 1928)
Relief II
stamped 'R.C/1/8/1978' (on the bottom edge)
bronze with a gold patina
19½ in. (49.6 cm.) high, including wooden base
Conceived in 1978.

Acquired directly from the artist by the present owner in 1978.

The Property of Alan Mann

Alan Mann was a passionate collector. In his flat overlooking the Thames on Richmond Hill he created an eclectic treasure trove. Born in London, he joined his father's firm of Quantity Surveyors after he left school and later lived with his brother in a flat above the business in Bloomsbury Square. The British Museum was on his doorstop and his collecting was inspired by the frequent visits he paid to the museum. The art of Africa that he encountered there seems to have ignited a particular passion, and Christie's are honoured to be offering a single-owner sale dedicated to this aspect of his collection in Paris on 4th December.

He was also a keen collector of 20th Century British Art, and the works offered in this sale include a diverse selection of pieces by Robert Clatworthy, who became a close friend of Alan's. Clatworthy has enjoyed substantial success as a sculptor, draughtsman and teacher throughout his career. During the 1950s his work began to be recognised with his first solo exhibition of small sculpture held at the Hanover Gallery in 1957. Whilst being represented by the Hanover Gallery, Clatworthy's work was shown alongside prominent artists such as Francis Bacon, Giacometti, Picasso and Arp. During his artistic training at Chelsea School of Art and later the Slade School of Fine Art, he was taught by William Coldstream and Bernard Meadows. Other collections which hold works by Clatworthy include the Tate Britain, London.

Alan Mann's collection of 20th Century British Art also includes an iconic bronze by Dame Elisabeth Frink and a powerful oil by Frank Auerbach which are to be offered in the 12th December sale of 20th Century British Art at Christie's King Street.
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.
Artist's Resale Right ("droit de Suite"). If the Artist's Resale Right Regulations 2006 apply to this lot, the buyer also agrees to pay us an amount equal to the resale royalty provided for in those Regulations, and we undertake to the buyer to pay such amount to the artist's collection agent.
We are very grateful to Robert Clatworthy for his assistance cataloguing lots 80 and 82-89.