Pictures by Grandmother Who Picked Up Paintbrush in Her Sixties Offered at Bonhams
LONDON.- Following the Bonhams’ sale in June, where a picture by Helen Bradley was sold at a world record price, three pictures by the artist will be offered in the 20th Century British Art Sale held at Bonhams New Bond Street on the 17th November.
Born in 1900 in Lancashire, Helen Bradley was always interested in art, but it was not until she was in her sixties and her grandchildren were asking what life was like when she was a child that she started painting the scenes she remembered of her own Edwardian childhood. The scenes she depicted not only delighted her grandchildren, but she subsequently gained worldwide popularity.
Helen Bradley, We went to Miss Carter's for tea. Estimate: £30000 - 50000. Photo: Bonhams
In 1971 Jonathan Cape published the first of four books by Helen Bradley “And Miss Carter Wore Pink”, which was an instant success. German, French, Dutch and Japanese editions were published, and a special edition produced for the U.S.A.
The characters she painted included Miss Carter (who wore Pink), who features in most of her paintings, as well as her mother, grandmother, her three maiden aunts, Mr Taylor (the bank manager), Helen herself with her brother George, and their dogs Gyp and Barney. Many of these figures can be seen in the pictures offered by Bonhams.
The three works offered by Bonhams are fantastic examples of Helen Bradley’s unique style and narrative. “We went to Miss Carter’s for tea” is estimated to sell for £30,000 – 50,000, “Do you think the Turkey’s cooked enough?” is estimated at £25,000 – 35,000 and “Mother said we would walk home through the park” estimated at £20,000 – 30,000”.
Sadly Helen Bradley died in 1979 shortly before she was due to be honoured with an MBE from the Queen for services to the arts.
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