The call comes as work commences on a definitive catalogue of Ravilious’ watercolours. Around 250 are known already but around 40 are believed to be still undiscovered and uncatalogued.
“They might be held in private collections – even, possibly, public collections – in the UK, Canada, Australia or New Zealand,” says James Russell, who curated the exhibition of Ravilious’ watercolours at the Dulwich Picture Gallery in 2015.
He is now compiling the catalogue, authorised by the artist’s estate, to be published by Hedingham Press in 2019.
Best known for his watercolours of English landscapes, Ravilious was also an illustrator, printmaker and designer. He became an official war artist in 1939 and died during the search for a missing plane in Iceland in 1942. His watercolours are his most sought-after works, with his Aldeburgh Bathing Machines setting an auction high for him in 2014 at JS Auctions.
“We do believe they are out there,” Russell adds. “We are appealing to anyone who has – or think they might have – a ‘lost’ Ravilious watercolour to get in touch and help us complete this ambitious project.”
Those with information are encouraged to contact The Hedingham Press by email at raviliouscatalogue@gmail.com. All enquiries will be treated in confidence.
