Pencil self-portrait by Marion Richardson, £5500 at Dreweatts.
Marion Richardson (1892-1946), a pioneer of the child art movement, was described as ‘one of the most influential art innovators of our time’. Using new methods for teaching art which aimed to stimulate children’s visual perception and inspire self-expression, she is regarded having fundamentally changed the way the subject is studied in England. She is also an important figure in the teaching of handwriting for young children.
A group of 12 works from Richardson’s private collection which had descended to the vendor were among the highlights of Dreweatts’ (26/25/20/12.5% buyer’s premium) Modern and Contemporary Art sale on March 13. With all of them going over top estimate, together they raised a £40,750 hammer total.