Honor and Hugh Vivian Smith

The subjects of the present lot are Honor Mildred Vivian Smith (1908-1995) and Hugh Adean Vivian Smith (1910-1978), the children of Vivian Hugh Smith (1867–1956), 1st Baron Bicester and Lady Sybil Mary McDonnell, a daughter of the 6th Earl of Antrim. The family were descendants of the banking family who founded ‘Smith's Bank’ in Nottingham. In his autobiography, The Second Burst, Munnings speaks fondly of his visit to paint the members of the family. He writes of Weald Hall, as 'unlike any other house I had known. It was the growth of centuries', going on to comment that ‘the Smith family were wonders in more ways than one. A stirring life in a live household’ (A.J. Munnings, The Second Burst, Bungay, 1951, pp. 216-17).

Munnings also lists the portraits that he painted at Weald Hall, including the present lot: ‘there were villagers playing cricket until the shadows lengthened and died, whilst I painted a patient father on horseback. Next in turn came a son from Eton. Then a younger brother and sister on their ponies…’ (A.J. Munnings, p. 217).

This joie de vivre and spontaneity is transferred into paint through Munnings' stylistic nod to his impressionist influences: the thick impasto, quick brushstrokes and the artist’s characteristic use of colour. Munnings creates a playful and light-hearted double portrait, that conjures up the characters of his young sitters.

The portrait of the 1st Baron Bicester, mentioned above, was sold in these Rooms, 12 December 2019, lot 175 (£137,500).

We are grateful to Tristram Lewis for his assistance in preparing this catalogue entry.