NEWS

PAINTINGS FROM STUDIO OF POPULAR EPSOM ARTIST IN SURREY FINE ART AUCTION

Paintings from the studio of Epsom artist W. G. May, who at 86 continues to teach art in his home village of Tadworth, are to sold by Surrey fine art auctioneers Ewbank on Thursday March 13. It is the first time his work has been offered at auction.

Wilfred Glyndon May (b. 1922) is a self-taught watercolourist who also works sometimes in pastels, crayons and oils. He has exhibited in galleries in the Epsom and Dorking area, and served for several years as Chairman of the Epsom Art Group, whose exhibitions are held at Bourne Hall, Ewell.

Influential in the amateur art world as an inspirational art tutor and leader of outdoor painting expeditions, his greatest influence is Sir W. Russell Flint, of whose technique he has made a lifelong study. Russell Flint’s fluid watercolours and exotic nudes inspire many of May’s nude figure paintings, but the artist also specialises in clothed figures, particularly female dancers, and portraits. The occasional flower study, landscape or still life also finds a place among his work.

May attained his Bsc in Civil Engineering at University College, London in 1943, after which he became an officer in the Royal Engineers for the remainder of the Second World War, stationed in North Africa. He then worked for the WS Atkins Group until 1981, when he retired in order to become a full-time artist.

W. G. May continues as an art tutor, but gave up his own painting career two years ago due to illness. Most of his earlier work has been sold. What remains are paintings never before offered for sale, and some from recent years.

Images show a selection of the paintings in the sale, reflecting the artist’s moods and styles. Estimates are up to £200.

Elsewhere, the Ewbank sale includes the usual eclectic mix of silver, ceramics, glass, works of art, collectors’ items, clocks and furniture. Viewing at the Burnt Common auction rooms is on Tuesday March 11 from 10am-5pm and Wednesday March 12 from 10am-8pm. The sale catalogue will be available here approximately six days before the sale.