The contents of the untouched studio of the sculptor who created the Monument to the Women of World War II on Whitehall, London, will be offered for auction at Trevanion Auctioneers in the new year.
John W. Mills was globally recognised as a master of the art of sculpture, and his work graces public and private collections, as well as institutions, worldwide. A fellow of the Royal Society of Sculptors and Artists, he won numerous awards and design competitions throughout his distinguished career. Mills is also well known for creating iconic coin designs for The Royal Mint, including the D Day landings commemorative 50 pence piece.
Of the auction, Managing Partner Christina Trevanion said, ‘We are humbled to have been instructed by the family of the late, great John Mills to offer to the market the contents of John’s studio workshop and beloved home, Hinxworth Place. John’s works, such as the William Blake Memorial and the National Firefighters Memorial, form a crucial part of London’s historic fabric, but his pieces can be found around the country, including the beautiful Memorial to Alan Turing at the University of Surrey, and indeed around the world’.
Following his death in 2023, the Mills family made the difficult decision to clear John’s studio and selected contents of John and his wife Josephine’s beloved home, Hinxworth Place in Hertfordshire. ‘Walking into John’s studio will be a moment I remember for the rest of my life’, said Christina, ‘it was untouched, just the way John had left it the last time he walked out, and he was working in the studio right up until the end. To be in such a wonderfully creative space in the footsteps of one of the most important artists of the 20th century was very moving’.
The John Mills Legacy Collection will offer buyers an incredibly rare opportunity to purchase finished works in bronze and other media, including pieces from the celebrated ‘Dancers’ ‘Divers’ series, many inspired by his wife and muse Josephine. ‘Josephine Mills was an incredibly talented woman in her own right’, notes fine art valuer Simon Grover, who catalogued the sculptures for the auction. ‘She was an accomplished and versatile dancer and swimmer, and many of John’s works are based on Josephine, especially from the ‘Dancers’ and ‘Divers’ series. It’s been lovely to see their long and happy marriage reflected in his art’. The auction will also feature pieces from the ‘Riverman’ series, a maquette study for the national firefighters memorial ‘Blitz’, a life size bronze ‘Three Kings’, busts of Queen Elizabeth II, Quentin Crisp, Brian May and numerous animal models including beloved family pets, horses and numerous lions. As well as his sculptures, a key element of the sale will be the preparatory sketches and prints John Mills made for his works, offering a unique insight into his creative process.
Like many artists, John maintained his own collection of works by artists that he admired or was given as gifts by his students and contemporaries. His own collection includes works by Mary Fedden, Jacob Epstein, Charles Sargeant Jagger and Maurice Lambert, which will all be offered for sale in the auction. ‘John and his wife Josephine were at the beating heart of the 20th century British art scene’ said Trevanion Auctioneers Associate Director Ashley Jones. ‘The family remember frequent visits by well-known artists, lots of parties and visits to the studios of fellow artists such as Henry Moore. We are deeply honoured to be bringing The John Mills collection to the market for the first time in early 2025, from tiny figures that fit in the palm of your hand, to monumental sculptures, preparatory sketches, oils and watercolours – this will be a fascinating auction which no contemporary art lover will want to miss’.
The auction will be held on Wednesday 8th January 2025. Public viewing will be open on Monday 6th and Tuesday 7th January.
