20th century artwork by Wood to be auctioned - 25/06/2010

Bonhams will be offering the four pieces by the English artist in its 20th century British Art sale in London on June 30th.

A still life painting depicting flowers, fruit and a clay pipe, by the painter known for his coastal landscapes, is expected to fetch between £100,000 and £150,000.

The clay pipe is significant as it appears in several other works by the artist. It is possibly a reference to Wood's opium addiction. He used the pipe to smoke the drug even after it was banned in 1920.

Girl in a Lamp in a Cornish Window is estimated to reach between £40,000 and £60,000, while a Cumberland Landscape is expected to sell for between £30,000 and £40,000.

A rare portrayal of Hampstead in London appears in Skating in Hampstead, which should fetch £50,000 to £70,000.

Wood was born in Knowsley near Liverpool in 1901. He committed suicide in 1930 by jumping under a train at Salisbury station. It is thought he was suffering withdrawal symptoms from opium.

Posted by Max Byrne