Theodore Major

Theodore Major (1908-1999) Cyclamen signed 'MAJOR' (on the reverse) oil on board 30 x 25¼ in. (76.2 x 64.2 cm.) 'Cyclamen were always a favourite flower of my mother Kathleen Major, an artist in her own right, who had studied Botany at college. Theo chose rather than making botanical studies of plants to get down to the essentials of rhythm and vibrancy by simplifying structures with great sweeps of impasto brushwork which he had to get right first time. As with his still lifes the flowers are more representative of human relationships than specific records of any particular plant' (private correspondence, Mary Major).

Theodore Major (1908-1999) Cyclamen signed and inscribed 'MAJOR/CYCLAMEN' (on the reverse) oil on board 29½ x 36¼ in. (75 x 92.5 cm.) Acquired directly from the artist by the present owner. M. Major and J. Rose, Vision Splendid, Theodore Major 1908-1999, Chichester, 2008, unpaginated, illustrated.

Theodore Major (1908-1999) Cyclamen signed 'MAJOR' (on the reverse) oil on board 25¼ x 30 in. (64.2 x 76.2 cm.) 'Cyclamen were always a favourite flower of my mother Kathleen Major, an artist in her own right, who had studied Botany at college. Theo chose rather than making botanical studies of plants to get down to the essentials of rhythm and vibrancy by simplifying structures with great sweeps of impasto brushwork which he had to get right first time. As with his still lifes the flowers are more representative of human relationships than specific records of any particular plant' (private correspondence, Mary Major).

Theodore Major (British, 1908-1999) 'Lancashire Scene' signed 'MAJOR' verso, also bears labels verso oil on canvas, unframed 63 x 76cm (24 13/16 x 29 15/16in). Provenance - Purchased from the artist's family. Exhibited: Arts Council of Great Britain 'Two Lancashire Painters L.S Lowry and Theodore Major', 1951 (no. 30).

Lot Description Theodore Major (1908-1999) Industrial Landscape with Telegraph Poles signed 'MAJOR' (on the reverse) oil on board 29 x 37 in. (73.7 x 94 cm.) Provenance Acquired directly from the artist by the present owner. Literature M. Major, Vision Splendid, Chichester, illustrated, unpaginated. View Lot Notes › The industrial nature of Wigan with its many factories was the subject matter of many of Major's paintings. Mervyn Levy commented that a northern industrial town may be seen as 'ugly' by many yet Major managed to transform the scene 'into a pattern of startling and moving beauty' (Exhibition catalogue, Theodore Major Centenary, Oldham, 2008, unpaginated).