Oliver Messel Sold at Auction Prices

Painter, b. 1904 - d. 1978

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  • OLIVER MESSEL FOR JACQMAR- A SILK SCARF TO CELEBRATE THE CORONATION OF H.M. QUEEN ELIZABETH II
    Apr. 09, 2025

    OLIVER MESSEL FOR JACQMAR- A SILK SCARF TO CELEBRATE THE CORONATION OF H.M. QUEEN ELIZABETH II

    Est: £600 - £1,000

    OLIVER MESSEL FOR JACQMAR- A SILK SCARF TO CELEBRATE THE CORONATION OF H.M. QUEEN ELIZABETH II, 1953 Printed on silk, signed lower right within the print, in glazed frame approximately 97cm x 94.5cm overall Provenance: Exhibition label to reverse: Michael Parkin Fine Art Ltd, 11 Motcomb Street, London "Cecil Beaton and Friends", No 129, purchased by Lady Becher 29th May 1985. Oliver Messel originally designed the scarf in 1952 for the 1953 Coronation. The scarf was reproduced with colour changes for H.M. Queen Elizabeth's 1977 Silver Jubilee with all the gold colour details changed to silver.

    Dreweatts 1759 Fine Sales
  • Oliver Messel,  British 1904-1978 -  Costume design 'The Countess at the Ball';  watercolour and p
    Mar. 25, 2025

    Oliver Messel,  British 1904-1978 -  Costume design 'The Countess at the Ball';  watercolour and p

    Est: £600 - £800

    Oliver Messel,  British 1904-1978 -  Costume design 'The Countess at the Ball';  watercolour and pencil on paper, signed lower right 'Oliver Messel', 53.1 x 38.2 cm: together with 2 other costume designs by the same artist of a similar size and medium 'A Napoleonic period officer' and 'Julia visiting Lydia' (3) (ARR) 

    Roseberys
  • Messel (Oliver, 1904-1978). Commemorative scarf for the Coronation of Elizabeth II, 1953
    Mar. 13, 2025

    Messel (Oliver, 1904-1978). Commemorative scarf for the Coronation of Elizabeth II, 1953

    Est: £150 - £200

    Messel (Oliver, 1904-1978). Commemorative scarf for the Coronation of Elizabeth II, 1953 * Messel (Oliver, 1904-1978). Commemorative scarf for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, Cresta Silks Ltd for Jacqmar, 1953, printed in gold and other colours on silk, depicting the Gold State Coach, with cornerpieces of acorns and oak leaves, a leek, thistles and a rose, the Queen's cypher to centre of upper margin, and a shamrock to centre of lower margin, Messel's name to lower right corner, 90 x 90 cm (35.5 x 35.5 ins), together with: Piper (John, 1903-1992). Aldeburgh Scarf, screen-printed silk scarf, depicting Snape Maltings Concert Hall in white on an apple green ground, hand-stitched rolled hem, a few tiny marks to edge, 76 x 73 cm (30 x 28.75 ins), plus 6 other scarfs, including a Jacqmar green and white patterned scarf, and a V&A scarf 'Vulcan Forging The Armour of Achilles', and 2 handkerchiefs, one depicting printing processes, printed by W.A. Scholten, all in good condition, various sizes QTY: (10) NOTE: Messel's Coronation scarf was reproduced for Queen's Elizabeth's Silver Jubilee in 1977, printed in silver instead of gold. Prior to the Coronation Tom Heron of Cresta went to Switzerland to arrange for Oliver Messel’s ethereal design - with its royal emblems and fairy coach - to be printed by a pioneering technique using real gold. The scarf appeared on the cover of Vogue with a full-page editorial about its design and its printers. Tom Heron told shop staff: 'I tell you in confidence that the Queen, the Queen Mother, the Duchess of Kent and Princess Margaret have all accepted scarves, and said very nice things about them too!' (John S Peart-Binns & Giles Heron, Rebel & Sage: A Biography of Tom Heron 1890-1983, 2001, p.78) Piper's Aldeburgh Scarf was produced to celebrate the reopening of Snape Maltings Concert Hall following a devastating fire in 1969. Completed in 1970, the scarf was on sale from 1974 until 1981. Produced in several different colourways, this version is particularly striking.

    Dominic Winter Auctions
  • In the Manner of Oliver Messel (1904-1978, UK, Germany)Lithograph, "The Persian Girl"
    Feb. 16, 2025

    In the Manner of Oliver Messel (1904-1978, UK, Germany)Lithograph, "The Persian Girl"

    Est: $100 - $300

    Lithograph on woven paper, "The Persian Girl" Signed and numbered 25/100 and titled lower margin. Sheet size- 20 1/2 x 16 Frame- 26 1/4 x 21 3/4

    Main Auction Galleries
  • Oliver Hilary Sambourne Messel (1904-1978) Portrait of Katharine Cornell as The Countess, circa 1955 sight 10 1/2 x 7 3/8 in. (26.7 x 18.7 cm)
    Oct. 24, 2024

    Oliver Hilary Sambourne Messel (1904-1978) Portrait of Katharine Cornell as The Countess, circa 1955 sight 10 1/2 x 7 3/8 in. (26.7 x 18.7 cm)

    Est: $800 - $1,200

    Oliver Hilary Sambourne Messel (1904-1978) Portrait of Katharine Cornell as The Countess, circa 1955 signed and dedicated 'To dear Kit / With Love Oliver' (lower right) and inscribed 'The Countess' (upper left) gouache and pencil on paper sight 10 1/2 x 7 3/8 in. (26.7 x 18.7 cm)

    Bonhams
  • Oliver Hilary Sambourne Messel (1904-1978) Portrait of a Young Barbadian Man, circa 1963 approximately 12 x 9 in. (30.5 x 22.9 cm)
    Oct. 24, 2024

    Oliver Hilary Sambourne Messel (1904-1978) Portrait of a Young Barbadian Man, circa 1963 approximately 12 x 9 in. (30.5 x 22.9 cm)

    Est: $1,000 - $1,500

    Oliver Hilary Sambourne Messel (1904-1978) Portrait of a Young Barbadian Man, circa 1963 signed 'Oliver Messel' (lower right) charcoal on paper approximately 12 x 9 in. (30.5 x 22.9 cm)

    Bonhams
  • Oliver Hilary Sambourne Messel (1904-1978) Set Design for Alexander Pushkin's Pique Dame (The Queen of Spades), 1949 sight 15 x 21 in. (38.1 x 53.3 cm)
    Oct. 24, 2024

    Oliver Hilary Sambourne Messel (1904-1978) Set Design for Alexander Pushkin's Pique Dame (The Queen of Spades), 1949 sight 15 x 21 in. (38.1 x 53.3 cm)

    Est: $1,000 - $1,500

    Oliver Hilary Sambourne Messel (1904-1978) Set Design for Alexander Pushkin's Pique Dame (The Queen of Spades), 1949 signed 'Oliver Messel' (lower right), signed again and inscribed 'From the film of Pushkin's Pique Dame...' (on the backing) mixed media on paper sight 15 x 21 in. (38.1 x 53.3 cm)

    Bonhams
  • Oliver Hilary Sambourne Messel (1904-1978) Costume design for Le Nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro), 1955 15 x 9 3/4 in. (38.1 x 24.8 cm)
    Oct. 24, 2024

    Oliver Hilary Sambourne Messel (1904-1978) Costume design for Le Nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro), 1955 15 x 9 3/4 in. (38.1 x 24.8 cm)

    Est: $800 - $1,200

    Oliver Hilary Sambourne Messel (1904-1978) Costume design for Le Nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro), 1955 signed 'Oliver Messel' (lower right), inscribed in a later hand (on the reverse) gouache and pencil on paper 15 x 9 3/4 in. (38.1 x 24.8 cm)

    Bonhams
  • Oliver Hilary Sambourne Messel (1904-1978) Fantaisies Oceanographiques Set Model 9 7/8 x 16 3/4 x 2 1/2 in. (25.1 x 42.5 x 6.3 cm)
    Oct. 24, 2024

    Oliver Hilary Sambourne Messel (1904-1978) Fantaisies Oceanographiques Set Model 9 7/8 x 16 3/4 x 2 1/2 in. (25.1 x 42.5 x 6.3 cm)

    Est: $1,500 - $2,500

    Oliver Hilary Sambourne Messel (1904-1978) Fantaisies Oceanographiques Set Model unsigned watercolor and ink on hand-cut paper 9 7/8 x 16 3/4 x 2 1/2 in. (25.1 x 42.5 x 6.3 cm)

    Bonhams
  • Oliver Hilary Sambourne Messel (1904-1978) Set Design for The Country Wife, 1936 22 1/2 x 29 in. (57.1 x 73.7 cm)
    Oct. 24, 2024

    Oliver Hilary Sambourne Messel (1904-1978) Set Design for The Country Wife, 1936 22 1/2 x 29 in. (57.1 x 73.7 cm)

    Est: $4,000 - $6,000

    Oliver Hilary Sambourne Messel (1904-1978) Set Design for The Country Wife, 1936 unsigned, identified on a label (on the reverse) oil on canvas 22 1/2 x 29 in. (57.1 x 73.7 cm)

    Bonhams
  • λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978), STUDY FOR MRS MILLIARD
    Oct. 23, 2024

    λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978), STUDY FOR MRS MILLIARD

    Est: £1,000 - £1,500

    λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978)STUDY FOR MRS MILLIARD Oil and pencil on artist's board 51 x 41cm (20 x 16 in.)Unframed Painted in Barbados in 1977. Provenance:Direct from the artistBy descent to Thomas Messel, the artist's nephew

    Dreweatts 1759 Fine Sales
  • λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978), STUDY OF MICA ERTEGUN
    Oct. 23, 2024

    λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978), STUDY OF MICA ERTEGUN

    Est: £1,000 - £1,500

    λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978)STUDY OF MICA ERTEGUN Oil on canvas, laid to board 74 x 61cm (29 x 24 in.)Unframed Provenance:Direct from the artistBy descent to Thomas Messel, the artist's nephewMica Ertegun was a Romanian-American philanthropist and, like Messel, an accomplished interior designer, co-founding the extant firm MAC II in 1967. She donated widely to cultural causes, including humanities teaching at the University of Oxford, restoration efforts in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, New York. In 1993, Ertegun was inducted into the Interior Design Hall of Fame; in 2011, Ertegun was appointed CBE by Queen Elizabeth II. In the 1970s, Ertegun visited Messel in Barbados, where she sat for this portrait (see University of Bristol Theatre Collection OHM/2/5/8). It is a testament to Messel's taste that Ahmet Ertegun, Mica's husband and the co-founder of Atlantic Records, chose the Oliver Messel Suite at the Dorchester Hotel as his London base (Robert Greenfield, The Last Sultan: The Life and Times of Ahmet Ertegun (2012), p. 208).

    Dreweatts 1759 Fine Sales
  • λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978), PORTRAIT OF SIR JOHN MILLS
    Oct. 23, 2024

    λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978), PORTRAIT OF SIR JOHN MILLS

    Est: £1,000 - £1,500

    λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978)PORTRAIT OF SIR JOHN MILLSOil on canvas 46 x 41cm (18 x 16 in.)UnframedPainted in 1974. Provenance:Direct from the artistBy descent to Thomas Messel, the artist's nephewSir John Mills was a prolific actor on stage and screen, amassing over 120 film credits during his seven-decade career. Celebrated for his military roles, Mills cemented his reputation with such war films as Cottage to Let (1941), Above Us the Waves (1955), Dunkirk (1958), and The Valiant (1962). Mills received the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as the bumbling Michael in David Lean's Ryan's Daughter (1970). In 1960, Mills was appointed CBE; in 1976, he was knighted for his services to cinema by Queen Elizabeth II; in 2002, he was awarded a BAFTA Fellowship. His acquaintance with Messel was long established, given their professional collaboration on early productions including Cochran's 1931 Revue (see Balanchine Catalogue no. 108) as actor and set designer respectively.

    Dreweatts 1759 Fine Sales
  • λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978), PORTRAIT OF MARK NEWMAN GILBEY
    Oct. 23, 2024

    λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978), PORTRAIT OF MARK NEWMAN GILBEY

    Est: £1,000 - £1,500

    λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978)PORTRAIT OF MARK NEWMAN GILBEY Oil on canvas Signed (lower left)45.5 x 35.5cm (17¾ x 13¾ in.)Unframed Provenance:Direct from the artistBy descent to Thomas Messel, the artist's nephewMark Newman Gilbey was the chairman of Duncan, Gilbey and Matheson, a scotch whisky distillery now based in Zambia. Along with the horticulturist Peter Daniel Coats and the soldier Sir William Miles Aykroyd, Gilbey was the subject of a 1950 group photograph by Norman Parkinson. Gilbey, like many successful men of his age, owned leisure homes in such coastal locations as Gorée Island and Tangiers. Gilbey and Messel enjoyed a long friendship; in the 1960s, Messel was entrusted with designing his Dominican residence (Charles Castle, Oliver Messel: A Biography (1986), p. 232).

    Dreweatts 1759 Fine Sales
  • λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978), PORTRAIT OF LADY KELVEDON, INGRID CHANNON
    Oct. 23, 2024

    λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978), PORTRAIT OF LADY KELVEDON, INGRID CHANNON

    Est: £2,000 - £3,000

    λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978)PORTRAIT OF LADY KELVEDON, INGRID CHANNONOil on canvas-board Signed (lower right)51 x 40.5cm (20 x 15¾ in.)Unframed Provenance:Direct from the artistBy descent to Thomas Messel, the artist's nephewIngrid Channon was born to the painter Richard Wyndham, scion of the Barons Egremont. In 1963, she married Paul Channon, President of the Board of Trade under Margaret Thatcher. Messel was acquainted with Channon's father-in-law, Sir Henry 'Chips' Channon, from London society; there, they enjoyed the company of prominent men of their day, including Cecil Beaton and Noel Coward (for a comprehensive account of these circles, see Thierry Coudert, Café Society: Socialites, Patrons, and Artists, 1920 to 1960 (2010)). Beaton would later photograph Channon. Paul and Ingrid Channon remained close to Messel, exchanging Christmas cards after his move to Barbados (see University of Bristol Theatre Collection OHM/2/3/19).

    Dreweatts 1759 Fine Sales
  • ▲ Oliver Messel (1904-1978)
    Jul. 09, 2024

    ▲ Oliver Messel (1904-1978)

    Est: £200 - £300

    ▲ Oliver Messel (1904-1978) Study of a seated woman, 1946 watercolour and gouache, signed l.l, 38 x 54cm, 52 x 69cm framed Provenance: The Estate of Max Clendinning and Ralph Adron.

    Sworders
  • § OLIVER MESSELL (BRITISH, 1904-1978)
    Jun. 25, 2024

    § OLIVER MESSELL (BRITISH, 1904-1978)

    Est: £1,000 - £1,500

    § OLIVER MESSELL (BRITISH, 1904-1978) OLIVER MESSELL (BRITISH, 1904-1978) Portrait of a young man oil on canvas 62 x 51 cm. (24 1/2 x 20 1/8 in.) Provenance The artist, whom gifted to Brenda Haydon, thence by family descent

    Chiswick Auctions
  • MESSEL, OLIVER HILARY SAMBOURNE
    Dec. 15, 2023

    MESSEL, OLIVER HILARY SAMBOURNE

    Est: $400 - $600

    British, 1904-1978 Costume Design Signed Oliver Messel (lr) Gouache on paper Sight 14 1/2 x 9 1/4 inches (36.8 x 23.5 cm) Paper is toned. Staining. Sandwich matted, verso and edges not visible.

    DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
  • Oliver Messel (1904-1978). An Edwardian Satinwood Pole-Screen. The glazed canted rectangular screen
    Apr. 23, 2023

    Oliver Messel (1904-1978). An Edwardian Satinwood Pole-Screen. The glazed canted rectangular screen

    Est: £120 - £160

    Oliver Messel (1904-1978). An Edwardian Satinwood Pole-Screen. The glazed canted rectangular screen painted with flowers, a moth & butterfly on a dark olive green ground by Oliver Messel; the height altering by means of a pull-cord weighted by a tassel pendant, threaded through the top of the square section pole surmounted by a turned finial. The square stepped base bordered with rosewood cross-banding inlaid with strings of ebony & boxwood, 59½'' (151 cm) high.

    Wilkinson's Auctioneers
  • Oliver Hilary Sambourne Messel (1904-1978): Bedroom Set Design
    Apr. 20, 2023

    Oliver Hilary Sambourne Messel (1904-1978): Bedroom Set Design

    Est: $1,000 - $1,500

    Pencil and gouache on paper, 1936, unsigned, with a partial label on the reverse and label from The Leicester Galleries, London. 12 x 17 in. (sight), 18 1/2 x 23 1/2 in. (frame). The Collection of Susie Hilfiger at Denbigh Farm

    STAIR
  • λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978), CEUS DRESSED UP
    Apr. 18, 2023

    λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978), CEUS DRESSED UP

    Est: £500 - £700

    λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978)CEUS DRESSED UPPencil, watercolour and gouacheSigned (lower right) and indistinctly inscribed (upper right) 48 x 32.5cm (18¾ x 12¾ in.)

    Dreweatts 1759 Fine Sales
  • Oliver Messel (British, 1904-1978), Portrait of a black man in military uniform, oil on board, 53 x 39cm
    Dec. 13, 2022

    Oliver Messel (British, 1904-1978), Portrait of a black man in military uniform, oil on board, 53 x 39cm

    Est: £3,000 - £5,000

    § Oliver Messel (British, 1904-1978) Portrait of a black man in military uniform oil on board Provenance: ex collection Thomas Baptise who was good friends with Oliver and Thomas Messel. He was godfather to Linley Lewis, Thomas Messel's nephew.

    Gorringes
  • Oliver Messel (British, 1904-1978), 'The Count, Dressing Gown', pencil and watercolour on paper, 45 x 32cm
    Dec. 13, 2022

    Oliver Messel (British, 1904-1978), 'The Count, Dressing Gown', pencil and watercolour on paper, 45 x 32cm

    Est: £500 - £800

    § Oliver Messel (British, 1904-1978) 'The Count, Dressing Gown' pencil and watercolour on paper signed in pencil

    Gorringes
  • COSTUME DESIGN - OLIVER MESSEL MESSEL (OLIVER) Costume design for Costume design for Clorinda, from Rossini's 'La Cenerentola', [1952]
    Nov. 09, 2022

    COSTUME DESIGN - OLIVER MESSEL MESSEL (OLIVER) Costume design for Costume design for Clorinda, from Rossini's 'La Cenerentola', [1952]

    Est: £500 - £700

    COSTUME DESIGN - OLIVER MESSEL MESSEL (OLIVER) Costume design for Costume design for Clorinda, from Rossini's 'La Cenerentola', ink, charcoal, gouache and watercolour on paper, signed in pencil ('Oliver Messel' on image, mounted, framed and glazed, image to view 350 x 230mm., [1952]

    Bonhams
  • OLIVER MESSEL (1904-1978) CEILING LIGHT, CIRCA 1960
    Oct. 12, 2022

    OLIVER MESSEL (1904-1978) CEILING LIGHT, CIRCA 1960

    Est: £600 - £800

    OLIVER MESSEL (1904-1978) CEILING LIGHT, CIRCA 1960 gilded metal (60cm diameter, 21cm high)

    Lyon & Turnbull
  • λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978), JULIA, 2ND COSTUME
    Oct. 03, 2022

    λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978), JULIA, 2ND COSTUME

    Est: £800 - £1,200

    λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978)JULIA, 2ND COSTUMEPencil, watercolour and gouacheSigned (lower right)45.5 x 33.5cm (17¾ x 13 in.)Provenance:Supplied by Oliver Messel The present picture is a design for the character Julia in Richard Brinsley Sheridan's, comedy of manners, The Rivals, Criterion Theatre, 1945. Displayed in a frame painted by Messel.

    Dreweatts 1759 Fine Sales
  • λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978), CEUS DRESSED UP
    Oct. 03, 2022

    λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978), CEUS DRESSED UP

    Est: £800 - £1,200

    λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978)CEUS DRESSED UPPencil, watercolour and gouacheSigned (lower right) and indistinctly inscribed (upper right) 48 x 32.5cm (18¾ x 12¾ in.)

    Dreweatts 1759 Fine Sales
  • λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978), LISA
    Oct. 03, 2022

    λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978), LISA

    Est: £800 - £1,200

    λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978)LISAPencil and watercolourSigned (lower right) and titled (upper right)49.5 x 28cm (19¼ x 11 in.)Provenance:Leicester Gallery, November 1948

    Dreweatts 1759 Fine Sales
  • λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978), DESIGN FOR BACKDROP WITH TREE AND MOUNTAIN
    Oct. 03, 2022

    λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978), DESIGN FOR BACKDROP WITH TREE AND MOUNTAIN

    Est: £500 - £700

    λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978)DESIGN FOR BACKDROP WITH TREE AND MOUNTAINPencil, watercolour and gouache36 x 51cm (14 x 20 in.)Exhibited:C.E.M.A exhibition, Ballet design no. 103Provenance: Supplied by Oliver Messel The present picture is possibly a drop curtain design for the 1946 production of Sleeping Beauty by the Royal Ballet. His sets for this landmark production are considered Messel's masterpiece, and were revived for the Company's 2006 production.

    Dreweatts 1759 Fine Sales
  • λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978), LYDIA LANGUISH AND THE HEADRESS FOR FIRST APPEARANCE
    Oct. 03, 2022

    λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978), LYDIA LANGUISH AND THE HEADRESS FOR FIRST APPEARANCE

    Est: £800 - £1,200

    λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978)LYDIA LANGUISH AND THE HEADRESS FOR FIRST APPEARANCEPencil, watercolour and gouacheSigned (lower centre) and titled (upper right)48 x 33.5cm (18¾ x 13 in.)Provenance:Supplied by Oliver Messel The present picture is a design for the character Lydia Languish, an wealthy teenage heiress in Richard Brinsley Sheridan's, comedy of manners, The Rivals, Criterion Theatre, 1945. Displayed in a frame painted by Messel.

    Dreweatts 1759 Fine Sales
  • λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978), DESIGN FOR CAPTAIN ABSOLUTE
    Oct. 03, 2022

    λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978), DESIGN FOR CAPTAIN ABSOLUTE

    Est: £800 - £1,200

    λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978)DESIGN FOR CAPTAIN ABSOLUTEPencil, watercolour and gouacheSigned (lower right) and variously inscribed (upper right)45.5 x 30cm (17¾ x 11¾ in.) Provenance:Supplied by Oliver Messel The present picture is a design for the character Captain Jack Absolute, one of the protagonists in Richard Brinsley Sheridan's, comedy of manners, The Rivals, Criterion Theatre, 1945. Displayed in a frame painted by Messel.

    Dreweatts 1759 Fine Sales
  • λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978), MRS MALAPROP
    Oct. 03, 2022

    λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978), MRS MALAPROP

    Est: £800 - £1,200

    λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978)MRS MALAPROPPencil, watercolour and gouacheSigned (lower right) and titled (upper right)50 x 35cm (19½ x 13¾ in.) Provenance:Supplied by Oliver Messel The present picture is a design for the character Madam Malaprop, the middle-aged guardian of Lydia Languish in Richard Brinsley Sheridan's, comedy of manners, The Rivals, Criterion Theatre, 1945. Displayed in a frame painted by Messel.

    Dreweatts 1759 Fine Sales
  • λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978), MRS MALAPROP
    Oct. 03, 2022

    λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978), MRS MALAPROP

    Est: £800 - £1,200

    λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978)MRS MALAPROPPencil, watercolour and gouacheSigned (lower right) and titled (upper right)51 x 33cm (20 x 12 in.)

    Dreweatts 1759 Fine Sales
  • λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978), MRS MALAPROP
    Oct. 03, 2022

    λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978), MRS MALAPROP

    Est: £1,000 - £1,500

    λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978)MRS MALAPROP, 2ND DRESS FOR ENDPencil, watercolour and gouacheSigned (lower right) and titled and variously inscribed (upper right)50.5 x 33.5cm (19¾ x 13 in.) Provenance:Supplied by Oliver Messel The present picture is a design for the character Madam Malaprop, the middle-aged guardian of Lydia Languish in Richard Brinsley Sheridan's, comedy of manners, The Rivals, Criterion Theatre, 1945. Displayed in a frame painted by Messel.

    Dreweatts 1759 Fine Sales
  • λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978), DESIGN FOR BACKDROP, BATH
    Oct. 03, 2022

    λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978), DESIGN FOR BACKDROP, BATH

    Est: £1,000 - £1,500

    λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978)DESIGN FOR BACKDROP, VIEW OF BATHPencil, watercolour, gouache and collage32.5 x 48cm (12¾ x 18¾ in.) Provenance:Supplied by Oliver Messel The present picture is the design for the drop curtain for the 1945 production of Sheriden's comedy of manners, The Rivals. Performed at the Criterion Theatre in 1945, and directed by William Armstrong and Edith Evans, Messel designed costumes and sets in pastiche of eighteenth century period style. The artificiality and lightness of his designs were well suited to the improbable plot and satiric spirit of the play.

    Dreweatts 1759 Fine Sales
  • λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978), DESIGN FOR BACKDROP, BATH
    Oct. 03, 2022

    λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978), DESIGN FOR BACKDROP, BATH

    Est: £1,000 - £1,500

    λ OLIVER MESSEL (BRITISH 1904-1978)DESIGN FOR BACKDROP, BATHPencil, watercolour, gouache and collage33 x 48cm (12 x 18¾ in.)Provenance:Supplied by Oliver Messel The present picture is the design for the drop curtain for the 1945 production of Sheriden's comedy of manners, The Rivals. Performed at the Criterion Theatre in 1945, and directed by William Armstrong and Edith Evans, Messel designed costumes and sets in pastiche of eighteenth century period style. The artificiality and lightness of his designs were well suited to the improbable plot and satiric spirit of the play.

    Dreweatts 1759 Fine Sales
  • OLIVER HILARY SAMBOURNE MESSEL British, 1904-1978 Costume Design for The Medium
    Jun. 24, 2022

    OLIVER HILARY SAMBOURNE MESSEL British, 1904-1978 Costume Design for The Medium

    Est: $400 - $600

    OLIVER HILARY SAMBOURNE MESSEL British, 1904-1978 Costume Design for The Medium Signed Oliver Messel (lr); inscribed The Medium (ur) Watercolor and gouache on paper 9 3/4 x 14 7/8 inches (24.8 x 37.8 cm) C 

    DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
  • Oliver Messel, British 1904–1978 - Four birds; watercolour, charcoal and pencil on paper, sig
    Feb. 15, 2022

    Oliver Messel, British 1904–1978 - Four birds; watercolour, charcoal and pencil on paper, sig

    Est: £600 - £800

    Oliver Messel, British 1904–1978 - Four birds; watercolour, charcoal and pencil on paper, signed lower right 'Oliver Messel' and dedicated upper left 'for Hugh Skillen', 35.4 x 24.8 cm: together with 2 other works on paper by the same artist, ''The Beast / The Wolf' mask designs for The Sleeping Beauty, Covent Garden, 1946', 35 x 24.7 cm and 'Design for 'Der Rosenkavalier (Silver Rose)', Glyndebourne', 37.7 x 25 cm (unframed) (3) (ARR) Provenance: Hugh Skillen (Messel's favourite mask and headdress maker); private collection, gifted from the above Please refer to department for condition report

    Roseberys
  • Oliver Messel, British 1904–1978 - Priestess, costume design for 'Die Zauberflöte' (The Magic
    Feb. 15, 2022

    Oliver Messel, British 1904–1978 - Priestess, costume design for 'Die Zauberflöte' (The Magic

    Est: £300 - £500

    Oliver Messel, British 1904–1978 - Priestess, costume design for 'Die Zauberflöte' (The Magic Flute)', Royal Opera House, Covent Garden; watercolour, charcoal and pencil on paper, signed lower right 'Oliver Messel', 34.2 x 20.3 cm (ARR) Provenance: with Wright Hepburn Gallery, London (according to the label affixed to the reverse of the frame); private collection Please refer to department for condition report

    Roseberys
  • Oliver Messel, British 1904–1978 - Costume design for male dancer, Royal Ballet; watercolour,
    Feb. 15, 2022

    Oliver Messel, British 1904–1978 - Costume design for male dancer, Royal Ballet; watercolour,

    Est: £600 - £800

    Oliver Messel, British 1904–1978 - Costume design for male dancer, Royal Ballet; watercolour, charcoal and pencil on paper, signed lower right 'Oliver Messel', 37.7 x 25 cm: together with 2 other signed works on paper by the same artist of the same medium, 'Costume design for Monostatos from Mozart's 'Magic Flute' Glyndebourne 1956', 24.8 x 35.9 cm and 'Costume design for Mozart's 'Die Entführung Aus Dem Serail' Glyndebourne 1956', 36.3 x 24.9 cm (unframed) (3) (ARR) Provenance: Hugh Skillen (Messel's favourite mask and headdress maker); private collection, gifted from the above Please refer to department for condition report

    Roseberys
  • AMENDMENT: Please note the headdress was designed for Vivian Leigh rather than Elizabeth Taylor. Oliver Messel, British 1904–1978 - Headdress for Cleopatra, Elizabeth Taylor, c.1944;
    Feb. 15, 2022

    AMENDMENT: Please note the headdress was designed for Vivian Leigh rather than Elizabeth Taylor. Oliver Messel, British 1904–1978 - Headdress for Cleopatra, Elizabeth Taylor, c.1944;

    Est: £700 - £900

    AMENDMENT: Please note the headdress was designed for Vivian Leigh rather than Elizabeth Taylor. Oliver Messel, British 1904–1978 - Headdress for Cleopatra, Elizabeth Taylor, c.1944; watercolour, charcoal and pencil on paper, signed lower right 'Oliver Messel' and annotated upper right '36', 23 x 19 cm: together with 2 other signed works on paper by the same artist of the same medium, 'Ariadne jewellery detail for Richard Strauss's 'Ariadne auf Naxos', Glyndebourne', 37.2 x 25.1 cm and 'Costume for Miss Margaret Rutherford in wheelchair for 'Ring Round the Moon', Globe Theatre, 1950', 37.1 x 25 cm (unframed) (3) (ARR) Provenance: Hugh Skillen (Messel's favourite mask and headdress maker); private collection, gifted from the above Please refer to department for condition report

    Roseberys
  • Oliver Messel. "Romeo and Juliet," book
    Jan. 29, 2022

    Oliver Messel. "Romeo and Juliet," book

    Est: $300 - $500

    (English, 1904-1978). William Shapkespeare, "Romeo and Juliet," with designs by Oliver Messel, 1936, New York, Charles Scribner's Sons, B.T. Batsford, LTD, London, England, signed by Oliver Messel, includes costume designs each signed by Oliver Messel.

    Alex Cooper
  • Messel (Oliver) Puss in Boots
    Jan. 27, 2022

    Messel (Oliver) Puss in Boots

    Est: £300 - £400

    Messel (Oliver) Puss in Boots Messel (Oliver) Puss in Boots, costume design for 'The Sleeping Beauty', charcoal and gouache on wove paper, significant browning, signed in pencil lower right, image 45 x 31cm, n.d. Provenance. Wright Hepburn Gallery label verso.

    Chiswick Auctions
  • Oliver Messell. Costume Design, watercolor
    Dec. 11, 2021

    Oliver Messell. Costume Design, watercolor

    Est: $800 - $1,200

    Oliver Hilary Sambourne Messell. (English, 1904-1978). Watercolor and gouache on paper, signed "Oliver Messell" lr, costume design for "La Cenerentola" 1952, England, sight size: 2 3/4 x 8 3/4 in., framed.

    Alex Cooper
  • Oliver Messel (1904-1978)
    Dec. 07, 2021

    Oliver Messel (1904-1978)

    Est: £200 - £300

    Oliver Messel (1904-1978) Oliver Messel (1904-1978) 'Sheperdess'; 'Daphnis' - two costume designs for Tchaikovsky's 'The Queen of Spades' performed at the Royal Opera House, London, 1950 both signed 'Oliver Messel' in pencil l.r. and inscribed as titled u.r., watercolour, pencil and pastel 36 x 23.5cm; together with another costume study by the artist 'The Medium' for Peter Glenville's 'Rashomon' performed at the Music Box, New York, 1959 signed 'Oliver Messel' in pencil l.r. and inscribed 'The Medium' u.r., watercolour, pencil and pastel 36 x 23.5cm (3) Provenance: Each with Wright Hepburn Gallery labels.

    Sworders
  • Oliver Hilary Sambourne Messel English, 1904-1978 Costume Designs: Four Works
    Apr. 28, 2021

    Oliver Hilary Sambourne Messel English, 1904-1978 Costume Designs: Four Works

    Est: $2,000 - $4,000

    Oliver Hilary Sambourne Messel English, 1904-1978 Costume Designs: Four Works Each signed Oliver Messel (lr) Tempera, foil and mixed media on two overlaid sheets of clear plastic Sight of each 13 3/4 x 9 1/2 inches (35 x 24.2 cm)

    DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
  • Oliver Hilary Sambourne Messel British, 1904-1978 Costume Design for The Country Wife (for Ruth Gordon)
    Apr. 28, 2021

    Oliver Hilary Sambourne Messel British, 1904-1978 Costume Design for The Country Wife (for Ruth Gordon)

    Est: $500 - $700

    Oliver Hilary Sambourne Messel British, 1904-1978 Costume Design for The Country Wife (for Ruth Gordon) Signed Oliver Messel (lr); inscribed Pinchwife disguised as a boy (ul) and Ruth Gordon (ur); variously inscribed with notes (cr) Watercolor and gouache over pencil on paper 20 x 15 inches (50.8 x 38.1 cm)

    DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
  • Oliver Hilary Sambourne Messel British, 1904-1978 Costume Design together with a signed hardbound copy of A Midsummer Night's Dream
    Apr. 28, 2021

    Oliver Hilary Sambourne Messel British, 1904-1978 Costume Design together with a signed hardbound copy of A Midsummer Night's Dream

    Est: $500 - $700

    Oliver Hilary Sambourne Messel British, 1904-1978 Costume Design Signed Oliver Messel (lr), inscribed indistinctly (ur) Graphite and watercolor on brown paper 14 3/4 x 9 3/4 inches (37.5 x 24.7 cm) Together with a hardbound copy of A Midsummer Night's Dream , published by the Folio Society, 1957, with illustrations by Oliver Messel Signed and inscribed To dear Arnold/Oliver Estate of Thomas P. Lacy

    DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
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