08/08/2025 General News
Graham Snow (1948-2025) was a multi-faceted artist, curator, and consultant whose influence spanned continents and disciplines. After a classic arts education at Hornsey College of Art and the Slade School of Fine Art, his intellectual curiosity led him to Japan at the age of 27 to study Kabuki, shaping his unique perspective. His artistic journey saw him as a one-time fellow of Clare Hall, Cambridge, and an artist-in-residence at Kettles Yard, where he exhibited pioneering video and performance pieces.
Graham's independent spirit was evident early on; his first solo London exhibition in 1983 launched at a time when contemporary art had virtually no market. Beyond his own prolific output, which included fabulous sets for Ballet Rambert in 1991 and a multitude of successful international shows throughout the 80s and 90s, Graham was renowned for his profound generosity and dedication to supporting other artists. He played a pivotal role in transforming Craigie Aitchison's career, meticulously organizing his acclaimed exhibition at the Serpentine Gallery by designing the catalogue, photographing works and assisting with the hang.
After 1993, Graham's artistic practice became more private, creating works for himself and his closest friends. He evolved into a quintessential Dorset artist, with his deep knowledge of art history and natural ability manifesting in pieces rich with fossils and Jurassic images, often assembled in Weymouth using multiple techniques, including sand from local beaches. His works, like his home, were assembled painstakingly over months and years, every surface adorned with a curated vision. His residence was a testament to his artistic philosophy, a vibrant work of art itself, brimming with objects from every period and culture: paintings by friends, 20th century masters including Gauguins and Sutherlands, old master prints including a Rembrandt etching, rare books, African sculptures and lovingly restored and embellished furniture.
Graham's passion for finding undiscovered treasures permeated every aspect of his extraordinary life and both the art he created and collected. His idiosyncratic imagination enabled him to put seemingly disparate objects together in such a way that they coexisted to create a dynamic whole. As a result of this, The Graham Snow Collection is an extraordinarily eclectic, unique and very diverse assemblage
“We knew Graham at Duke’s for over 25 years and enjoyed his regular visits to our salerooms. Including his sometimes slightly acerbic comments as to our cataloguing, but always coupled with a sense of humour and a twinkle in his eye”- Garry Batt, Partner.
We hope this catalogue and sale will allow you a small, privileged view into Graham’s world.
The auction will take place on Wednesday 24th September at 10.30am
Contact us to order a catalogue.
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Lot 21 | RAOUL DUFY (1877-1953)
‘Nu Sur Fond Jaune’
1930, signed and dated lower left, oil on canvas, 81cm x 65.5cm
Exhibited: 'Hommage à Raoul Dufy', 17th October to 20th November 1963, Galerie Pont-Royal Hotel, Paris.
£30,000 - £50,000
Lot 36 | GRAHAM SUTHERLAND (1903-1980)
‘Entrance to a Lane’
1976, signed and dated lower right, pen and ink with gouache, 16cm x 31cm
Provenance: with Abbott and Holder.
£4,000 - £8,000