Lot 514 , § Glyn Philpot (1884-1937) Negro Walking 32in.

§ Glyn Philpot (1884-1937)
bronze
Negro Walking Fine Art Society edition no 7 of 8, cast in 1986
32in.
Estimate £3,000-5,000

Negro Walking is an important precursor to the bronze editions which would follow. It can be considered as a rare piece of sculpture as it is one of the few depictions of his Jamaican servant Henry Thomas. Thomas, who had travelled to Britain as a stoker and supposedly missed his return journey home was initially found by the theatre designer Oliver Messel in the National Gallery around 1929. After a short time working for Messel, Thomas moved to working for Philpot as a cook, gardener and part time model. After Philpot's death in 1937 Thomas unfortunately turned to alcoholism and is thought to have died in the early 1950s.

The base underneath the bronze figure has two screw fixing holes but it is not currently attached to a plinth, there is some occasional verdigris to the patination and some occasional spotting to the surface otherwise in good condition, the piece is unsigned and undated so we are not able to establish which exactly which casting this is.


Descriptions provided in both printed and on-line catalogue formats do not include condition reports. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Interested bidders are strongly encouraged to request a condition report on any lots upon which they intend to bid, prior to placing a bid. All transactions are governed by Gorringes Conditions of Sale.

Sold for £4,000