The Beginning of Their Story

Mary Fedden and Julian Trevelyan met when Mary was still a student at the Slade and became friends with both Julian and his first wife Ursula. By the late 1940s Ursula and Julian’s marriage was failing. Whilst they had a creative and often happy sixteen years together, the war, illness, politics and infidelities on both sides had taken their toll. By 1948, Ursula had met and fallen in love with Norman Mommens, a young Belgian artist and although by 1950, Ursula and Julian had parted, they remained on good terms and stayed in touch for the rest of their lives.

A Life of Travel and Art

In 1949, Mary and Julian travelled to Taormina, Sicily, the first of many overseas painting trips and two years later they married. Philip Trevelyan notes in his monograph on his father, Mary not only brought Julian the companionship of a fellow painter, but a much welcome stability. She was beautiful, a brilliant cook and entertainer, [and] an enthusiastic travelling companion. (Philip Trevelyan, Julian Trevelyan, Picture Language, Lund Humphries, 2013, p. 177).

Two Easels at Durham Wharf

Mary’s arriving in Julian’s life marked the beginning of a hugely productive and close partnership, both personally and professionally and one that rejuvenated Durham Wharf as a centre of artistic gathering. Julian later recalled in his memoirs, the Wharf now boasts a new mistress, and in the studio, there are two easels instead of one, an aside that for me, carries such massive importance that it had better be dropped while mixing a strong cocktail. (Julian Trevelyan, Indigo Days, The Art and Memoirs of Julian Trevelyan, 1957 (2nd edition 1996), p. 191).

A Shared Life at Durham Wharf

Their studio was filled with their paintings, as well as all sorts of curiosities. As Patricia Jordan-Evans noted, their studio overlooked the small garden at Durham Wharf. Beyond the very tall cow parsley type plant, given to her by Ivon Hitchens, was a low brick wall overlooking the tidal River Thames. At high tide the sailing boats’ sails passed by the dining room window, which was quite a sight, and at low tide the river dropped 15 ft and created mudbanks. It was a magical place. (Mary Fedden Simple Pleasures, Victoria Art Gallery, Bath, 2022, p. 3).

Auction Highlights

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Auction Details

Wednesday 21 October, 11.30am BST
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

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Viewing at Dreweatts London (highlights): 16-17 Pall Mall, SW1Y 5LU
Monday 12 October: 10am-4pm
Tuesday 13 October: 10am-7pm
Wednesday 14 October: 10am-4pm

Viewing at Dreweatts Newbury: Donnington Priory, RG14 2JE
Saturday 17 October: 10am-3pm
Sunday 18 October: 10am-3pm
Monday 19 October: 10am-4pm
Tuesday 20 October: 10am-4pm

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