Lot Essay
Barns in Winter is one of several English scenes dated to 1943 that represent a departure from Hillier's prior output (which was almost exclusively continental). A small number, nine that are recorded, of these early English works include either lone or small groups of figures, all in rural settings. Two of these works are in public collections (The War in Somerset, Manchester City Gallery and The Argument, Harris Museum, Preston).
Between 1935 and 1946, The Right Hon. Vincent Massey held the office of the 7th High Commissioner of Canada, and later became Governor General of Canada. Over this period Massey amassed many works by contemporary British artists, a portion of which he gifted to the National Gallery of Canada. The contents of this gift (including three other Hilliers; Fishing Craft at Etretat 1939, The Bridle 1943 and The Accident c. 1940) were exhibited at the Tate in 1946 as A Collection of Contemporary British Paintings. Other artists included in the gift were Bell, Coldstream, Condor, Eurich, Gowing, Hitchens, Hodgkins, Innes, Smith, Spencer, Starr, Steer, Sutherland, Wadsworth and Wood. Massey also owned another Hillier (Chantier Fécampois 1940, current whereabouts unknown).
We are very grateful to Jonathan Gibbs and the Estate of Tristram Hillier for their assistance in preparing this catalogue entry.
The Estate are preparing a forthcoming catalogue raisonné of the Artist's paintings and would like to hear from owners of any works by Hillier. Please write to The Estate of Tristram Hillier, c/o Christie’s Modern British & Irish Art Department, 8 King Street, London, SW1Y 6QT or email mclothier@christies.com.
Between 1935 and 1946, The Right Hon. Vincent Massey held the office of the 7th High Commissioner of Canada, and later became Governor General of Canada. Over this period Massey amassed many works by contemporary British artists, a portion of which he gifted to the National Gallery of Canada. The contents of this gift (including three other Hilliers; Fishing Craft at Etretat 1939, The Bridle 1943 and The Accident c. 1940) were exhibited at the Tate in 1946 as A Collection of Contemporary British Paintings. Other artists included in the gift were Bell, Coldstream, Condor, Eurich, Gowing, Hitchens, Hodgkins, Innes, Smith, Spencer, Starr, Steer, Sutherland, Wadsworth and Wood. Massey also owned another Hillier (Chantier Fécampois 1940, current whereabouts unknown).
We are very grateful to Jonathan Gibbs and the Estate of Tristram Hillier for their assistance in preparing this catalogue entry.
The Estate are preparing a forthcoming catalogue raisonné of the Artist's paintings and would like to hear from owners of any works by Hillier. Please write to The Estate of Tristram Hillier, c/o Christie’s Modern British & Irish Art Department, 8 King Street, London, SW1Y 6QT or email mclothier@christies.com.