This mid-20th-century oil painting by English artist John JG Blundell (1927-2016) depicts a middle-aged man in profile.
Every now and then we discover a special piece by an unknown artist that’s apparently dropped off the map entirely, despite the evident quality of their work. This is one of those occasions. When we acquired this characterful portrait, it was simply described as having a monogram of ‘JB’. But following our research, we discovered the name Blundell on the reverse, and this led us to John James Griffith Blundell of Kent.
Blundell undertook a diploma in the late 1940s, and this piece formed part of it. It’s inscribed as such in the lower right and dated 1948. There are surprisingly few works in circulation relating to the rest of his career aside from two watercolours, an oil painting, and an abstract sculpture, which is dated 1975. He’s known to have exhibited at The Mall Galleries in London.
We can only speculate as to the identity of the smart gentleman portrayed but it’s been suggested that he could be cricket-related. Perhaps an umpire.
Monogrammed/dated in the lower left.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 12” x 20” / 31cm x 51cm
Year of creation: 1948
Labels & Inscriptions: Surname inscribed on the reverse.
Provenance: Private collection, England.
Condition: Artwork presents well with a few scuffs.
Our reference: BRV1670
British artist John James Griffith Blundell was primarily known for figures, portraits and genre scenes. He was born in Lewisham but spent many years in St Mary Cray, Kent. Later in life, he published a popular book on local history. Blundell Close in St Mary Cray is named after him.
Learn more about John JG Blundell in our directory.
We care profoundly about our role as custodians and every piece in the collection has been assessed by our conservator. When required, we undertake professional restoration carefully using reversible techniques and adopt a light touch to retain the aged charm of each work. We also restore frames rather than replace them as many are original and selected by the artists themselves.
