PRESSRELEASE

The Fine Art Society

148 New Bond Street, London W1S 2JT Tel: 020 7629 5116 www.faslondon.com

A FAMILY COLLECTION FROM BOXTED HOUSE

Works by Robert Bevan and other Modern British Art from the collection of Bobby and Natalie Bevan

18 September 3 October 2013

The Fine Art Society is pleased to present an exhibition of work from the personal collection of Bobby and Natalie Bevan, which hung on the walls of their home, Boxted House in Essex. At the centre of the show is a group of paintings by Bobbys father, the Camden Town Group artist Robert Bevan (1865-1925), which will be offered to the market for the rst time along with a group of Bevans drawings and exceptionally rare prints. The exhibition will also include paintings by Edward McKnight Kauffer and Lett Haines, a pastel by Christopher Nevinson and a drawing by Harold Gilman, all of which hung at Boxted. Bobby Bevan (1901-1974), whose mother was the artist Stanislawa de Karlowska, had a distinguished career in advertising, and as chairman of the agency S.H. Benson Ltd he was behind famous slogans such as Guinness is Good For You. Natalie Denny (1909-2007) was a renowned beauty and muse to many of the leading British artists of the 20th century, most famously Mark Gertler, whose celebrated portrait of her now belongs to the National Portrait Gallery, London. Bobby and Natalie married in 1946, and together they created an exceptional home at Boxted House. Generous, stylish hosts, they regularly entertained, and works by Bobbys parents and their contemporaries including Walter Sickert, Harold Gilman and Charles Ginner lled the walls. Bobbys collection of 18th century furniture and Natalies collections of ceramics were displayed along with richly patterned carpets and textiles, books and arrangements of objects collected during their extensive travels together. The ensemble was enlivened by Natalies glamour and charisma; her individual tenacity and enjoyment of good conversation and fun was noted by many of the guests who visited the Bevans at home. The house quickly became something of a social centre for artists of their generation, including Christopher Nevinson, Maggi Hambling, Francis Bacon, John Armstrong and Lett Haines, who stayed and occasionally left paintings to add to Boxteds impressive collection. The Fine Art Societys exhibition has been organised in close collaboration with Natalies daughter, Anthea Sieveking, who has contributed her personal memories to a fully illustrated exhibition catalogue. The catalogue will also include an introduction by leading Camden Town Group scholar Robert Upstone.
Robert Polhill Bevan (1865-1925), Town Field, Horsgate, c. 1914, Oil on canvas, 14 3/4 x 17 1/2 ins

Bobby Bevan (1901-1974)

Robert Polhill Bevan (1865-1925) Polish Villa, 1901, Oil on board, 14 x 9 3/4 ins

Edward McKnight Kauffer (1890-1954) Still Life with Apples, Oil on board, 18 x 16 ins

Natalie Bevan (1909-2007)

The Fine Art Society, Dealers since 1876, 148 New Bond Street, London W1S 2JT T: +44 (0)20 7318 1895 E: cl@faslondon.com W: www.faslondon.com For all press enquiries please contact Camilla Purdon at Flint Public Relations on 0203 463 2086 or camilla.purdon@int-pr.com