Auction Insights

Early Photograph.

Ethelbert White (1891-1972) was a painter, illustrator, wood engraver and poster designer, born in Isleworth, Middlesex. He attended St John's Wood Art School and became friends with Mark Gerter and CRW Nevinson and was a regular exhibitor at the RWS and RA.

Bertie and his wife, Betty, were noted bohemians, travellers, singers and collectors of folk songs. When not travelling in Ireland, France and Spain Bertie and Betty White had their roots in a quaint little cottage in Hampstead Grove, Camden, a place where in their later years Harrod's would deliver their weekly provisions on account. This base vied with their studio cottage at Amberley in Sussex and their gypsy caravan all of which formed part of the country idyll of their lives and is obvious in Bertie's work.

Painting by Ethelbert White.

Another of their shared passions was music the couple regularly gave public recitals and performed their favourite folk songs and sea shanties. Obviously happy with each others company they were married in excess of half a century and were eagerly sought guests at the studio parties of other contemporary artists. Augustus John, Sir Alfred Munnings, Christopher Richard and Wynne Nevinson were all close friends, the latter perhaps providing the greateSt influence on Bertie's painting.

Painting by Ethelbert White.

White's estate, including the contents of his studio, passed to his wife Betty and thence in part by decent to the current owners, Betty's nieces. Bearne's (now Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood) are pleased to be offering works by Ethelbert White in sales on 15th May 2007 and 4th July 2007.

Chronology