John Constable first visited Brighton in 1824, taking his wife Maria there to restore her failing health. He visited her frequently for the following four years and produced well over one hundred drawings and sketches. He became accustomed to painting on the beach or on the Sussex Downs where he produced small, vivid studies from these walks, most were dashed off outside in all weather conditions, some that are almost abstract responses to storms or the light on the sea. 

Brighton Luggers is a recent re-discovery, and its re-emergence sadly came too late for its inclusion in Constable and Brighton (Brighton Museums, 2017). It is smaller than other sketches of this period and painted directly onto millboard where most plein-air Brighton sketches are on paper laid on board or canvas. It’s handling, features and colouring, however, are characteristic of his style and methods of working. The present work is estimated at £20,000-30,000 (+fees).

Dr Daniel Robertson (Curator, Local History and Archeology, Brighton Pavillion & Museums) has identified the boat as a Brighton Lugger, known locally as Hog boats or Hoggies.

AUCTION DETAILS
Thursday 27 April | 10.30am
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

This is a live online auction with an auctioneer.

VIEWING:
Viewing will be by appointment and in accordance with Covid-19 regulations:

Viewing in London (higlights only): 
Dreweatts London, 16-17 Pall Mall, St James's, London SW1Y 5LU

• Tuesday 18 May: 10am - 5pm
• Wednesday 19 May: 10am - 5pm
• Thursday 20 May: 10am - 5pm

Viewing at Donnington Priory (full sale):

• Sunday 23 May: 10am-3pm
• Monday 24 May: 10am-5pm
• Tuesday 25 May: 10am-5pm
• Wednesday 26 May: 10am-5pm
• Please note there is no viewing on the morning of the sale.

To book an appointment to view, please email pictures@dreweatts.com or call +44 (0) 1635 553 553

Our specialists will also be providing detailed conditions reports and additional images as requested.

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