Following in the footsteps of Emily and John, Jemima’s mother, Reine Ormond was also an artist. She studied at the Slade, and on marrying Hugo Pitman, continued to build a wonderful collection. She became close friends with many artists including Augustus and Gwen John, whose works feature prominently in the collection. Important works from their collection can now be seen in the Ashmolean, Oxford, (Convalescent by Gwen John); Tate, London (Dorelia standing before a fence by Augustus John); and The National Museum of Wales (The Rialto Bridge and the Palazzo dei Camerlenghi by Walter Sickert).

Described as having a rare spiritual grace and humanity, Jemima herself was a very private person. She was in fact a lifelong follower of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, and even hosted a meeting between The Beatles and the Maharishi at her Kensington home on 31 August 1967. However, this was not something she publicly spoke of, as she shied away from the superficial trappings of fame.

Jemima’s collection offers a unique opportunity to discover the effortless synergy of three generations of artistic genius. A pure love of art is encapsulated in this group of works by John Singer and Emily Sargent, as well as subsequent influential British artists that are maybe only now being recognised, like Emily herself. 

Auction Highlights

Auction Details

Tuesday 7 July 2026, 3pm BST
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

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