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Lot Essay
Edward James (1907-1984) inherited the West Dean estate, West Sussex from his father the Liverpool-based American merchant William James (1854-1912), gaining control of the estate on his 25th birthday. West Dean was acquired by his newly married parents, William and Evelyn (née Forbes) in 1891, and they embarked upon anambitious renovation project, commissioning Ernest George(1839-1922) to extend and embellish the state rooms. The finished house was to be the venue for the lavish and glamorous house parties they hosted for their close friends, who included the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, and The Marlborough Set.
The James’ only son Edward was a poet and notable patron of the arts, with a keen interest in Surrealism. He amassed one of the largest collection of their works, supporting artists Salvador Dalí and Réne Magritte early in their careers. In 1964 Edward James formed the West Dean Foundation, which later became West Dean College to promote the study of conservation, arts, crafts, writing, gardening and music based at the house.
The James’ only son Edward was a poet and notable patron of the arts, with a keen interest in Surrealism. He amassed one of the largest collection of their works, supporting artists Salvador Dalí and Réne Magritte early in their careers. In 1964 Edward James formed the West Dean Foundation, which later became West Dean College to promote the study of conservation, arts, crafts, writing, gardening and music based at the house.