catalog text
Derek G. M. Gardner, R.S.M.A (British, 1914-2007), Fine Nautical Scene on Canvas
"Almandares & Nightengale", signed lower left
Item # 130111XPP30
This exceptional nautical oil painting captures two early British vessels, the Almandares and the Nightengale, as noted written on the back of the frame. The wind is intense, filling the graduated rows of sails such that they billow and strain at the cords. It remains in simply exceptional condition, untouched by conservator and time alike. Derek George Montague Gardner was born in February of 1914 in Gerrards Cross. Much has been written about the large volume of his work, most of which was exhibited and sold by Polak Gallery in London; they put together several catalogues of his work, each titled "Exhibition of Marine Paintings and Watercolours by Derek GM Gardner", documenting some of the more than 400 works he sold through their doors during his lifetime. He is regarded as the leading British maritime painter of his era, exhibiting an attention to detail learned through intense research and preparation prior to putting brush to canvas. An exhaustive amount of biography information is quickly available to you with a brief search of his work online, likewise documented extensively in print.
With a remarkably consistent price record on the open market, a number of his painting results are available through Bonhams and Christies:
- Bonhams, 4/24/13, lot 155 (24x36), $38,616
- Bonhams, 9/15/09, lot 71 (30x5), $58,507
- Doyles, 12/01/04, lot 92 (24x36) $8,000 (not incl. premium)
- Christies, sale 7489, lot 35 (30x50), $105,465
- Bonhams, 9/28/10, lot 243 (15x21.5), $35,104
- Bonhams, 9/11/07, lot 20 (16x24) $33,154
- Bonhams, 9/28/10, lot 254 (12x30), $19,892
- Bonhams, 3/22/11, lot 189 (36x24), $14,041
- Bonhams, 3/22/11, lot 197 (24x36), $12,676
- Bonhams, 9/11/07, lot 19 (14x18), $12,091
- Bonhams, 3/22/11, lot 144 (14x18) $11,701
- Bonhams, 3/22/11, lot 142 (16x20) $11,701
His work is not only incredibly striking and inspiring - these detailed pieces are investment grade works of art. Their value has been long established and the market is quite transparent on their high demand among enthusiastic collectors around the world.
(loose biographical notes from Jack Fine Art, a leading authority on works by Derek Gardner - they have extensive artist biography material available on their website for your enjoyment)
Measurements: [framed] 38 1/4" x 30 1/8" [canvas] 32" x 24"
Condition Report:
Gilt frame with dings, chips, abrasions etc. as expected; missing the name plaque at the center. Painting examined under UV, not examined outside of frame for wear beneath the margins of the frame; overall excellent condition, light craquelure where pressure from behind the canvas dimpled the surface in a most minor and almost non-noteworthy way. Only noticeable on close-up examination. Original lining and original stretchers; the frame also appears to be the original frame. Back protected with added foam board, this not removed for examination. We did not see any restoration under UV. Please review all images in the slideshow for a full overview of condition.
