It’s taken two years, but finally I can report on another Morphet’s sale. Sadly this is not another great poster extravaganza, but still worth your time and attention. Shall we take this for starters?
Abram Games, 1951, est. £200-300
The poster – which by rights should go for quite a bit more than that estimate – is a bit of a clue as to what’s going on here. Because although there are a few other posters in this sale, like the Gordon Nicol below, they’re not the main point of interest.
Gordon Nicol, 1958, est. £150-200
Although I will always have time for this London Transport poster, which I know I’ve mentioned on here at least once before
A R Thomson, 1949, est. £ 200-300
The main bulk of the fun isn’t posters for a change, but Festival of Britain ephemera, because this auction contains it in industrial quantities, well over sixty lots which range from womens’ handkerchiefs to horse brasses via pretty much everything in between.
Lager glasses anyone?
Or just, well, stuff?
But amongst the amusements are also a few more sensible things, like this Festival pot. Actually, it isn’t sensible at all but I still rather like it.
Then there is this Wedgwood mug, designed by Norman Makinson.
While we’re on the subject of Wedgwood, I should probably also mention this Ravilious Coronation mug as well.
If you’re wondering how he designed a mug for an event in 1953 when he’d died in 1942, the design was originally created for the coronation of Edward VII in 1937, and then revised for the coronations of both George VI and then Elizabeth II. So there. Estimate £120-150 if you’re desiring it.
Anyway, there is loads more to be found in the catalogues, so really it’s much better if you just go and have a look for yourselves. As long as you then tell me if you buy anything.
That’s not the only reason to go and take a look, though, because in addition to all of the Festival memorabilia it’s also offering also a very interesting set of Lyons prints too. The highlights are the Bawden and the Freedman if you ask me.
Edward Bawden, 1947, est. £200-300
Barnett Freedman, 1955, est. £250-300
I also have a soft spot for this Ardizzone too.
Edward Ardizzone, 1955, est. £80-100
But I can’t afford any of them because we’ve just bought a house, so they’re all yours if you want them. Off you go.