Art Collection Described as ‘Spectacular’ Sells for £169,000

A collection of 20th-century art, characterized as “spectacular” and assembled over four decades through a “labour of love,” achieved a sale price of £169,000 at auction. The Cotswold Auction Company, operating from its Cheltenham premises, facilitated the sale of these pieces, which were amassed by Gloucestershire collector Maurice Costley. Throughout his life, Mr. Costley frequently frequented leading galleries across the UK, accumulating an “extensive collection” of artworks. Liz Poole, a director at the auction house, described the collection as “truly spectacular,” encompassing 20th-century art, sculpture, and design. Among the artworks sold were a bowl crafted by Lucie Rie, which fetched £16,000; a canvas piece by Alberto Morocco portraying a lido beach hut, which sold for £12,000; and a painting titled “Arum Lily” by Craigie Aitchison, which realized £14,000. Ms. Poole stated, “Mr Costley built up his collection over 40 years, starting in the 1980s with purchases of East Anglian art before developing a wider passion for modern art and sculpture.” She continued, “He enjoyed regular visits to some of the country’s top galleries, gathering an extensive collection of paintings, sculpture and ceramics over his lifetime.” She concluded, “This truly is a spectacular collection of 20th century art.” The collection belonging to Maurice Costley was put up for auction by the Cotswold Auction Company in Cheltenham on Tuesday.