1st Oct, 2024 10:00
Modern and Contemporary Art | To include the David and Pam McCleave Collection
90
▲ Terence Cuneo (1907-1996)
A de Havilland 'Mosquito' under construction at the Parker Knoll factory
signed and dated '.CUNEO./.OCT.1943.' l.r., oil on board
51 x 71cm
Provenance: Christie's, South Kensington, 'Twentieth Century British Art', 4 December 2002, lot 541;
The David and Pam McCleave Collection of Modern British Art.
The de Havilland 'Mosquito', famously known as the 'wooden wonder', was a versatile British aircraft used during the Second World War. Its construction - which relied heavily on wood due to the scarcity of metals during the war - required the expertise of skilled craftsmen to piece together the aircraft's intricately shaped wooden components.
The Parker Knoll factory in High Wycombe, renowned for its high-quality furniture manufacturing, was one such place where these skilled craftsmen could be found. The workers at Parker Knoll, accustomed to crafting fine furniture, possessed the precise woodworking skills needed to assemble the Mosquito's complex wooden structure, and it was this collaboration that was essential to the success of the aircraft's production.
The present lot was one of many commissioned by de Havilland in which Cuneo showed the process of wartime manufacture. Through such works, Cuneo vividly illustrated the behind-the-scenes labours that contributed to the war effort, immortalising the role of craftsmen in the creation of this remarkable aircraft.
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A selection of Terrance Cuneo featuring in our 1-2 October Modern & Contemporary Art auction.
Sold for £2,500
Condition Report
Framed: 69.5 x 89.5cm
Small losses to the centre of the left edge, please refer to illustration. Some further scattered minor losses predominantly to the lower half. Overall the paint appears stable and the painting appears to be in otherwise good condition. Not examined under UV light, for a full report please contact the department.
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Auction: Modern and Contemporary Art | To include the David and Pam McCleave Collection, 1st Oct, 2024
The David and Pam McCleave Collection
Viewing
London Viewing | Highlights
A selection of lots will be on view Tuesday 3 - Thursday 19 September at our London Gallery, 15 Cecil Court, London WC2N 4EZ, as follows:
Monday-Friday, 11.30am - 5.30pm
For more information, please contact 0203 971 2500 | london@sworder.co.uk
Stansted Viewing | Auction
Viewing will be held at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE, as follows:
Thursday 26 September, 10am - 4pm
Friday 27 September, 10am - 4pm
Sunday 29 September, 10am - 1pm
Monday 30 September, 10am - 4pm
All lots are, however, extensively illustrated and carry detailed condition reports - see 'Condition report' at the foot of each lot description.
The auction will take place at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE.
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