London, January 2025

Poole Museum acquires John Piper Work at Auction

20 January 2025

IN BRIEF:

Poole Museum has acquired a 1951 work by John Piper depicting Poole’s Guildhall in Roseberys’ Modern British & 20th Century Art sale

High res images here. Please credit Roseberys.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Poole Museum has acquired a significant work by renowned English painter and printmaker John Piper (1903-1992) from Roseberys’ Modern British & 20th Century Art sale, held on Wednesday, 11 September 2024. The work was purchased using public donations to the museum and marks their first acquisition of Piper's work. It will go on display when the museum reopens next summer 2025, following a £10.3 million pound redevelopment project, supported with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

John Piper CH, British 1903-1992 - Customs House, Poole, 1951

John Piper was a leading figure in British art, known for his romantic portrayals of ruins and landscapes. A member of the avant-garde Seven and Five Society alongside artists such as Ben Nicholson, Henry Moore, and Ivon Hitchens, Piper also served as an Official War Artist during WWII. Throughout his career, he frequently returned to the landscapes and architecture of Dorset, with Poole and surrounding areas providing further inspiration for his atmospheric depictions of coastal scenery, ancient churches, and the rugged beauty of the English countryside.

The newly acquired gouache and collage on paper work, created in 1951, depicts Poole’s Guildhall. It was originally titled “Customs House” by Piper due to the similarities between the two buildings’ entrances. Previously, it was part of the 1967 exhibition "In Our View," showcasing works collected by Hans and Elsbeth Juda, whose collection also featured artists such as William Scott and Christopher Wood. Hans Juda was the founder of 'The Ambassador', an export journal for textiles, and Elsbeth was a photographer, who took portraits of Henry Moore, Graham Sutherland and Piper, amongst other art world figures.

Roseberys has had the privilege of selling several John Piper works over the years, and this piece from the early 1950s is a particularly strong example of his style. It’s a valuable piece of Poole’s heritage and will make a fantastic addition to the museum's collection.”

William Summerfield, Associate Director and Head of Modern British & 20th Century Art, Roseberys.

We are thrilled to have acquired our first John Piper artwork for the museum, a significant addition to our collection. This purchase has been made possible through the generous donations from our supporters, and I’m excited to share this iconic piece with our visitors, in our new Ceramics and Fine Art Gallery once we reopen. Piper’s work holds a special place in British art, and we believe this acquisition will help to further enrich the cultural heritage of Poole.”

Gary Edwards, Curator, Poole Museum.

ENDS

High res images available for editorial use here. Please credit Roseberys.
For media enquiries please contact: aliciaglenn@roseberys.co.uk

About Roseberys:

Operating in London for more than 30 years, Roseberys Fine Art Auctioneers is a privately owned specialist fine art and antiques auction house and valuers, located in the heart of South London.

The team of world renowned experts and consultants offer both buyers and sellers a range of specialist art market services and a calendar of over 30 specialist auctions a year covering all areas of Asian Arts, Islamic & Indian Art, Jewellery & Watches, Old Master, 18th & 19th Century Art, Modern British & Contemporary British Art, Urban & Contemporary Prints & Multiples, 20th Century Art & Design, Impressionist, Modern, Post War & Contemporary Art and Decorative Arts, Fine & Decorative sales including Silver, Ceramics, Works of Art and Furniture.

In addition to hosting over 30 specialist auctions annually, Roseberys offers single-owner collection sales. Recent highlights include the Mary & Alan Hobart Collection (founders of Pyms Gallery), an Important Private Collection of Chinese Imperial Porcelain and The George Farrow Collection.

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About Poole Museum:

Poole Museum is located in the heart of Poole’s Old Town and Quay. The Museum comprises the Grade II listed Oakley’s Mill a Victorian grain mill and warehouse, the Grade I listed medieval Wool Hall, Grade I listed Scaplen’s Court and gardens, and Sir Anthony Caro’s impressive quayside Sea Music sculpture.
The museum, which is owned and operated by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, has been undergoing a major redevelopment since its closure in 2022, supported with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The redevelopment includes the conservation, restoration, and remodelling of all three of the museum’s historic listed buildings.

Once reopen, visitors to the transformed free-to-enter museum will experience three brand-new maritime galleries showcasing more of the museum’s collections, a new temporary exhibition space featuring national touring exhibitions, improved accessibility, a new café space and much more.