HASLEMERE.- John Nicholson’s will offer this landscape by Maurice de Vlaminck – dedicated by the artist to the poet and writer André Breton, founder of Surrealism – in their June 12 fine art sale in Fernhurst.

Alongside Henri Matisse and André Derain, de Vlaminck is considered a leader of the Fauve movement, and the dedication is inscribed in his own hand to the back of the canvas. It comes to auction as a family heirloom inherited by the consignor in 1981 and has an estimate of £10,000-15,000.

The highlight also marks a new era at the auctioneers as they welcome Philip Maggs as the new head of their fine art department.

He has spent over 20 years as the buyer and agent for two successful international art galleries specialising in British and European paintings from the 18th century to the mid-20th century, and has also represented several renowned contemporary sculptors. A familiar face on the international art fairs circuit, having clocked up over 200 transatlantic flights, he is happy to be staying on terra firma in the beautiful countryside surrounding the saleroom in Fernhurst, where he is already a familiar face.

“As we emerge from lockdown with a bumper calendar of sales, this is a perfect opportunity to welcome fresh talent at our Fernhurst rooms,” said principal auctioneer John Nicholson. “Philip is a well-respected specialist with decades of successful sales under his belt and we are delighted to have him join us here.”