Tom Purvis Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Tom Purvis Art Value Price Guide

Oct. 10, 2024
TOM PURVIS (1888-1959). MABLETHORPE & SUTTON - ON - SEA / THE CHILDREN'S PARADISE. Circa 1926. 40½x50½ inches, 103x128¼ cm. Dangerfiel
Est: $3,000 - $4,000
TOM PURVIS (1888-1959) MABLETHORPE & SUTTON - ON - SEA / THE CHILDREN'S PARADISE. Circa 1926. 40½x50½ inches, 103x128¼ cm. Dangerfield Printing Co., London. Condition B: partially-recreated bottom margin, including printing text; repaired tears, creases, abrasions and restoration in margins and image; colors slightly attenuated. Framed. Purvis' posters for the LNER run the gamut from traditional landscapes to people engaged in various activities. In the style of the Beggarstaff Brothers, "he formed his figures solely from masses of color, without outline" (Weill p. 228). His use of "flat primary colors and the elimination of detail" was his graphic calling-card for which he was most emulated (Railway p. 135), "indeed, no other artist in Britain was able to depict such vivid, life-like scenes with such an economy of means" (Purvis p. 66). "This poster aroused some controversy when it was first issued. The company received an angry letter from the secretary of a society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, protesting that a picture of a child hanging on to a donkey's tail was an incentive to cruelty and consequently a harmful influence on the young. His demand that the poster be withdrawn was refused" (Railway p. 134). Posters & Publicity 1926, p. 14, Railway p.134, Furness Vol. 4, p. 22.
Swann Auction Galleries
Oct. 02, 2024
▲ Tom Purvis (1888-1959)
Est: £800 - £1,200
▲ Tom Purvis (1888-1959) Portrait of Jerry Wright-Luff, three-quarter length, in a red coat signed 'TOM PURVIS' l.l., pastel 72 x 46.5cm, together with another: signed 'TOM PURVIS' l.r., watercolour and pastel 39 x 29cm (2) Condition Report: Framed: 79.5 x 54cm and 47 x 36.5cm The larger portrait has a couple of small smudges to the sitter's coat in the lower left quarter, however appears to be in otherwise good condition. The smaller portrait has some faint spots of foxing with a light handling crease to the lower right quarter. Not viewed out of glazed frames.
Sworders
Nov. 12, 2023
In a Raid. ca. 1941.
Est: $1,200 - $1,500
ARTIST: TOM PURVIS (1888-1959) SIZE: 30 x 10 in./76.2 x 25.5 cm PRINTER: DESCRIPTION: When air raids began to strike London in World War II, Purvis switched his focus from travel images to awareness campaigns. Using his typical economy of means, the text takes precedence over the image to help prepare British motorists in case of emergency. (War & Propaganda)
Poster Auctions International Inc
Nov. 12, 2023
British Industries Fair. 1932.
Est: $2,500 - $3,000
ARTIST: TOM PURVIS (1888-1959) SIZE: 20 x 30 in./50.8 x 76.2 cm PRINTER: Waterlow & Sons, London DESCRIPTION: Purvis applied a powerful image to this announcement of the British Industries Fair in 1933. (Art Deco; Expositions)
Poster Auctions International Inc
Nov. 12, 2023
LNER / Now Let Us Carry You.
Est: $3,000 - $4,000
ARTIST: TOM PURVIS (1888-1959) SIZE: 25 x 40 1/8 in./63.4 x 102 cm PRINTER: Vincent Brooks, Day & Son, London DESCRIPTION: This dual promotion advertises LNER’s railway services as well as J. B. Priestley’s book, “The Good Companions.” The novel follows a concert party on their tour of England, and it became Priestley’s most celebrated work. Here, the celebration is carried on by LNER. (Art Deco; Travel; Railway; Literary)
Poster Auctions International Inc
Nov. 12, 2023
See Britain First on Shell. 1931.
Est: $2,000 - $2,500
ARTIST: TOM PURVIS (1888-1959) SIZE: 45 x 30 1/4 in./114.3 x 76.7 cm PRINTER: Johnson, Riddle & Co., London DESCRIPTION: Purvis takes us to the coast of Wales with an overview of the local landmarks: Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales, and it looms over the medieval Harlech Castle, built between 1282 and 1289. (Art Deco; Travel)
Poster Auctions International Inc
Nov. 12, 2023
LNER / It’s Quicker by Rail. ca. 1930.
Est: $3,000 - $4,000
ARTIST: TOM PURVIS (1888-1959) SIZE: 49 1/2 x 40 in./125.6 x 101.8 cm PRINTER: Jarrold, Norwich DESCRIPTION: The kids might be a handful, but these parents seem cool and collected knowing that LNER will get them to their destination faster than any other option. “Tom Purvis was one of the leading designers who worked regularly for the LNER... By the mid-1920s he had perfected a sophisticated style in which areas of flat, bright colour were placed together like a jigsaw to create images that were legible even when pasted high on billboards” (Saunders & Timmers, p. 186). (Art Deco; Travel; Railway)
Poster Auctions International Inc
Nov. 12, 2023
Edwards’.
Est: $6,000 - $8,000
ARTIST: TOM PURVIS (1888-1959) SIZE: 78 x 117 1/4 in./198.2 x 298 cm PRINTER: DESCRIPTION: This large six-sheet poster emphasizes that Edwards’ stock will add enormous flavor to any soup. Rare! (Art Deco; Food/Drink)
Poster Auctions International Inc
Nov. 12, 2023
John Bull.
Est: $6,000 - $8,000
ARTIST: TOM PURVIS (1888-1959) SIZE: 79 5/8 x 119 1/2 in./202.2 x 303.6 cm PRINTER: Odhams Press, London DESCRIPTION: From 1820 to 1964, the John Bull periodical took on various forms, from a traditional conservative Sunday newspaper to a mouthpiece for populist Parliamentary member Horatio Bottomley to a magazine akin to The Saturday Evening Post. Whatever form it was in at the time of this poster’s creation, Purvis applies literal and metaphorical stature to the four-sheet design. Rare! (Art Deco; Literary)
Poster Auctions International Inc
Nov. 09, 2023
TOM PURVIS (1888-1959). MABLETHORPE & SUTTON - ON - SEA / THE CHILDREN'S PARADISE. Circa 1926. 40½x50½ inches, 103x128¼ cm. Dangerfie
Est: $5,000 - $7,500
TOM PURVIS (1888-1959) MABLETHORPE & SUTTON - ON - SEA / THE CHILDREN'S PARADISE. Circa 1926. 40 1/2x50 1/2 inches, 103x128 1/4 cm. Dangerfield Printing Co., London. Condition B: partially-recreated bottom margin, including printing text; repaired tears, creases, abrasions and restoration in margins and image; colors slightly attenuated. Framed. Purvis' posters for the LNER run the gamut from traditional landscapes to people engaged in various activities. In the style of the Beggarstaff Brothers, "he formed his figures solely from masses of color, without outline" (Weill p. 228). His use of "flat primary colors and the elimination of detail" was his graphic calling-card for which he was most emulated (Railway p. 135), "indeed, no other artist in Britain was able to depict such vivid, life-like scenes with such an economy of means" (Purvis p. 66). "This poster aroused some controversy when it was first issued. The company received an angry letter from the secretary of a society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, protesting that a picture of a child hanging on to a donkey's tail was an incentive to cruelty and consequently a harmful influence on the young. His demand that the poster be withdrawn was refused" (Railway p. 134). Posters & Publicity, 1926, p, 14, Railway p.134, Furness Vol. 4, p. 22.
Swann Auction Galleries
Apr. 22, 2023
War Poster Our Day Soldiers British Red Cross Society WWI Tom Purvis
Est: £90 - £180
Original antique World War One poster - Our Day To Help at the Front our wounded from Home & Overseas - issued by The British Red Cross Society & Order of St John for an event on 21 October 1915. Great artwork by Tom Purvis (1888-1959) showing a group of men in different military uniform from the armed forces looking towards the viewer, one with bandages around his head, another wearing a sling and one wearing an eye patch, in front of a medical Red Cross flag with images of doctors by an ambulance and a rescue boat headed towards a ship on the side. Good condition, folds, creasing, tears, staining. Country of issue: UK, designer: Tom Purvis, size (cm): 75x51, year of printing: 1915.
Antikbar Original Vintage Posters
Mar. 26, 2023
Dine Well by LNER. ca. 1935.
Est: $5,000 - $6,000
ARTIST: TOM PURVIS (1888-1959) SIZE: 48 3/4 x 39 in./124 x 99 cm PRINTER: John Waddington, London DESCRIPTION: Travel by train shouldn’t be just about getting to your destination—it should be a fulfilling experience in its own right. To that end, Purvis helps advertise the LNER’s dining facilities, which look quite sophisticated indeed. A stylish flapper, smoking her cigarette beside the warm light of a table lamp, adds to the glamour. “To a contemporary eye, arguably the greatest talent who executed posters for the railways was Purvis... Working in different styles for different clients, he completed his most radical abstract works for the LNER. Not surprisingly, he was consistently praised in the press” (Art for All, p. 35). (Art Deco; Travel; Railway)
Poster Auctions International Inc
Jan. 28, 2023
Propaganda Poster National Savings Lend To Defend His Right To Be Free
Est: £75 - £150
Original vintage World War Two propaganda poster - Lend to defend his right to be free. Buy National Savings Certificates - featuring design by Tom Purvis (1888-1959) depicting a young boy sitting at the desk and staring into space with a Meccano toy locomotive crane car, yellow and white bold lettering set over black background. Fair condition, folds, tears, creasing, paper losses. Country of issue: UK, designer: Tom Purvis, size (cm): 73x49, year of printing: 1940.
Antikbar Original Vintage Posters
Nov. 13, 2022
Austin Reed.
Est: $2,500 - $3,000
ARTIST: TOM PURVIS (1888-1959) SIZE: 19 3/4 x 29 5/8 in./50.2 x 75.2 cm DESCRIPTION: Though somewhat less formal than another poster he created for Austin Reed of Regent Street (see PAI-XVIII, 414), Purvis doesn’t fail to communicate the clothier’s impeccable sense of style. His design not only features a fashion sense to which all gentlemen should aspire, but sumptuous fabric folds and creases that all but beg to be felt firsthand. Best known for his British railway posters, the artist ranks among the best posterists working between the Wars, making dramatic impact with his use of flat colors and simplified design. (Art Deco; Fashion)
Poster Auctions International Inc
Nov. 10, 2022
TOM PURVIS (1888-1959). CRUDEN BAY. Circa 1925. 39x49½ inches, 99x125¾ cm. The Dangerfield Printing Co., London.
Est: $7,000 - $10,000
TOM PURVIS (1888-1959) CRUDEN BAY. Circa 1925. 39x49 1/2 inches, 99x125 3/4 cm. The Dangerfield Printing Co., London. Condition B / B-: extensive repaired tears, sharp creases and abrasions in image and text; small losses in corners and image; staining, minor rippling and flaking in image. Mounted on Chartex. Purvis' posters for the LNER run the gamut from traditional landscapes to people engaged in various activities. In the style of the Beggarstaff Brothers, "he formed his figures solely from masses of color, without outline" (Weill p. 228). His use of "flat primary colors and the elimination of detail" (Railway p. 135) was his graphic calling-card for which he was most emulated. This is one of two horizontal format golf posters Purvis designed for this Scottish golf destination. Rare. Furness Vol. 1, p. 189.
Swann Auction Galleries
Nov. 10, 2022
TOM PURVIS (1888-1959). EAST COAST JOYS / TRAVEL BY L.N.E.R. Set of 6 posters. 1931. Each approximately 40x25 inches, 101½x63½ cm. Hay
Est: $20,000 - $30,000
TOM PURVIS (1888-1959) EAST COAST JOYS / TRAVEL BY L.N.E.R. Set of 6 posters. 1931. Each approximately 40x25 inches, 101 1/2x63 1/2 cm. Haycock Press, London. Condition varies, generally A- / B+. Each matted and framed. Purvis' work for the British Railroads was exclusively for the LNER. Many of his posters for the railway promoted travel to the East Coast, depicting swimmers, sailors, beaches, beachgoers, children and hikers. This was the first of two series he designed, the other circa 1936, which presented six individual images that could be used on their own or as a set. When viewed side by side they form a continuous, panoramic strip of coastline. This effect is one Purvis borrowed from the Japanese Ukiyo-e woodblock print artists, specifically Utagawa Sadahide, "whose work was commonly constructed from multiple separate sheets" (Purvis p. 76). "Purvis is an artist of unusual versatility and technical range. He designs posters which are simplified patterns . . . bold impressions in which solid shadows only are left to 'tell the story' ; he works in 'woodcut' technique . . . In all his work there is personality, knowledge and vigor (Commercial Art, 1927, p. 151). This is a rare graphic masterwork; we could locate only one other full set ever having appeared at auction. Purvis pp. 76-7, Voyage p. 40-41, Gebrauchsgraphik, June 1931, pp. 44-45, Modern Publicity, May 1931, p. 212.
Swann Auction Galleries
Oct. 16, 2022
Tom Purvis "East Coast By L.N.E.R" Poster
Est: $100 - $200
Tom Purvis (British, 1888-1959) "East Coast By L.N.E.R" offset lithograph printed in 1985 by MoMA New York, unframed. 32.5" x 41".
Auctions at Showplace
Oct. 16, 2022
*TOM PURVIS 1888-1959 [BRITISH SCHOOL] UNTITLED PORTRAIT OF A LADY C1950, SIGNED PASTEL, 26X20CMS, FRAMED.
Est: -
*TOM PURVIS 1888-1959 [British School] Untitled portrait of a Lady C1950, signed pastel, 26x20cms, framed.
WA Art Auctions
May. 23, 2022
Tom G. Purvis, 1888-1959, Sailboats at sunset, oil on panel, ...
Est: €300 - €425
Tom G. Purvis, 1888-1959, Sailboats at sunset, oil on panel, dated 1936, 21.5 x 13.5 cm.
Van Zadelhoff Veilingen en Taxaties
May. 19, 2022
TOM PURVIS (1888-1959). AUSTIN REED LTD. Circa 1927. 59½x39¾ inches, 151x101 cm.
Est: $7,000 - $10,000
TOM PURVIS (1888-1959) AUSTIN REED LTD. Circa 1927. 59 1/2x39 3/4 inches, 151x101 cm. Condition B+: repaired tears and small replaced losses at top edge, into image; repaired tears, replaced losses, creases and restoration in margins; minor creases and restoration in image. "Vibrant bands of color offset the somber sophistication of evening wear and provide a sense of motion to this poster advertising Austin Reed's very first store, at 13 Fenchurch Street in London. The retailer of upmarket clothing, known for its menswear, was founded in 1900 and had seventy outlets throughout Britain . . . With superb simplicity and just two colors - black and white - Purvis creates a classic vision of formal wear: gloves, top hat, overcoat, striped scarf, bow tie, trousers, and vest" (Crouse p. 153). He designed a number of posters for the retailer during the 1920s, and "these works created in the 'flat method' with vivid contrasting colors are amongst Purvis's most well known and respected" (Purvis p. 20). Purvis p. 48, Crouse p. 152.
Swann Auction Galleries
Nov. 23, 2021
TOM PURVIS (1888-1959). ROBIN HOOD'S BAY / YORKSHIRE BY LNER. Circa 1936. 29¾x25 inches, 75½x63½ cm. Chorley & Pickersgill Ltd., Leed
Est: $1,500 - $2,000
TOM PURVIS (1888-1959) ROBIN HOOD'S BAY / YORKSHIRE BY LNER. Circa 1936. 29 3/4x25 inches, 75 1/2x63 1/2 cm. Chorley & Pickersgill Ltd., Leeds. Condition A: unobtrusive vertical and horizontal folds. Purvis' work for the British Railroads was exclusively for the LNER. His use of "flat primary colors and the elimination of detail" (Railway p. 135) was his graphic calling card and what he is most appreciated for. This poster is one in a series of six that Purvis designed advertising travel to towns and seaside resorts along Britain's eastern coast - Robin Hoods Bay, Clacton-on-Sea, Skegness, Bamburgh, Lowestoft and Scarborough. The series is immediately recognizable, as each boasts flourishes of architectural detail amidst broadly outlined landscapes in unexpected twilight colors. Like the series he designed in 1931 promoting "East Coast Joys," the posters in this series could be used on their own or together with the others. When viewed side by side they form a continuous, panoramic strip of coastline. Furness vol. 4, p. 209, Century of Posters p. 58.
Swann Auction Galleries
Aug. 08, 2021
Tom G. Purvis Oil on Canvas "Portrait of the British Barque HMS William Gordon"
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
Tom G. Purvis Oil on Canvas "Portrait of the British Barque HMS William Gordon", late 19th Century, signed lower right Purvis, Jr., in bird's eye maple frame with gilt liner. 23 ½ in. x 40 ¼ in. Framed 28 ¾ in. x 40 ¼ in.
Rafael Osona Auctions
May. 30, 2021
TOM PURVIS 1888-1959
Est: $200 - $400
TOM PURVIS 1888-01959 "Portrait of an Old Lady" c1950 signed pastel, image 26x20cms, framed. Purvis is known for his important contribution to the British graphic art & design industry between the wars.
WA Art Auctions
Dec. 31, 2020
Tom Purvis, XX, Pastel drawing on paper, A portrai…
Est: £40 - £60
Tom Purvis, XX, Pastel drawing on paper, A portrait of young girl. Signed lower left. Approx. 18" x 14"
Claydon Auctioneers
Oct. 15, 2020
Tom Purvis (1888-1959). TRAVEL BY IMPERIAL AIRWAYS. 1934.
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
TOM PURVIS (1888-1959) TRAVEL BY IMPERIAL AIRWAYS. 1934. 30 1/2x20 inches, 77 1/2x50 3/4 cm. Hudson & Kearns, Ltd., London. Condition B: extensive overpainting in margins, image and text. A calendar for the luxurious, early British airline that served the Empire from 1924 until 1939. This image is one of stylish luxury, with the hustle and bustle of a recently-landed plane (a Handley Page HP-42. In fact, from the call numbers, this plane is actually the Heracles). Elegant passengers disembark, with the help of porters and mechanics, and meet with crew members around the plane's wheels. Purvis had established himself as an artist of the refined British way of life through his series of posters for Austin Reed, and here, again, his elegant Art Deco style lends itself perfectly to the image the airline is trying to convey. Purvis p. 107.
Swann Auction Galleries
Sep. 29, 2020
TOM PURVIS
Est: -
TOM PURVIS 1888-1959 "Portrait of an Old Lady" C1950 signed pastel, 26x20cms, framed. Purvis is known for his important contribution to the British graphic art & design industry between the wars
WA Art Auctions
Jun. 17, 2020
TOM PURVIS 1888-1959 "Portrait of an Old Lady" sig…
Est: $600 - $800
TOM PURVIS 1888-1959 "Portrait of an Old Lady" signed pastel, 26x20cms, framed.
WA Art Auctions
Nov. 10, 2019
JOHN MILNE (TOM) PURVIS (SCOTLAND, 1888-1957)
Est: $800 - $1,200
JOHN MILNE (TOM) PURVIS (SCOTLAND, 1888-1957) Two Views of Scottish Coast, watercolor on paper, both signed, in matching burl frames, matted and glazed, under old glass, OS: 16 1/2" x 21", SS: 16" x 10". Good condition.
Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
Jun. 08, 2019
Original 1920s/30s London Magazine Poster PURVIS Art
Est: $200 - $350
Artist: Purvis, Tom 1888 - 1957. The Passing Show. Technique: Letterpress Print ca. 1928. Size: 29.9 x 20 in. (76 x 51 cm). Printer: no information. Condition Details: (A-) on linen, small tears, tiny losses and minimal staining in the margins. Estimate: $350. Reserve / Starting Price: $200.
PosterConnection Inc.
Jan. 19, 2019
Posters (2) by Tom Purvis - British Industries Fair London & Birmingham
Est: €320 - €600
British Industries Fair London & Birmingham - 63,5x101, 1936, addd: same artist, size and topic, 1937 by Tom Purvis (1888-1959) 63,5x101, 1936, addd: same artist, size and topic, 1937
Van Sabben Poster Auctions
Apr. 12, 2018
PURVIS, Tom (1888-1959) NATIONAL BENZOLE MIXTURE more miles per gallon
Est: £700 - £900
PURVIS, Tom (1888-1959) NATIONAL BENZOLE MIXTURE more miles per gallon
Bonhams
Sep. 12, 2017
Original 1920s/30s London Magazine Poster PURVIS Art
Est: $100 - $500
Artist: Purvis, Tom 1888 - 1957. The September London Magazine - New Kipling Story. Technique: Letterpress Print ca. 1928. Size: 30.3 x 19.6 in. (77 x 50 cm). Printer: The Amalgamated Press, London. Condition details: (B+) on linen, small tears and minor staining at the edges.
PosterConnection Inc.
Jul. 08, 2017
Poster by Tom Purvis - British Industries Fair London & Birmingham
Est: €180 - €400
British Industries Fair London & Birmingham - 51x76,5, 1933 by Tom Purvis (1888-1959)
Van Sabben Poster Auctions
Oct. 27, 2016
TOM PURVIS (1888-1959). FELIXSTOWE. 1932. 39x49 inches, 100x125 cm. S.C. Allen & Company Ltd., London.
Est: $5,000 - $7,500
TOM PURVIS (1888-1959) FELIXSTOWE. 1932. 39 1/2x49 1/4 inches, 100 1/4x125 cm. S.C. Allen & Company Ltd., London. Condition B+: light water stains in bottom margin and lower corners; minor repaired tears, creases and abrasions along vertical and horizontal folds. Framed. Purvis' posters run the gamut from traditional landscapes to people engaged in a variety of activities, primarily involving beach scenes. "The three-dimensionality of his work is quite astonishing when one considers that it is often comprised entirely of only flat shapes" (Purvis p. 41). Furness vol. 4, p. 5.
Swann Auction Galleries
Oct. 27, 2016
TOM PURVIS (1888-1959). CLACTON ON SEA. 1930. 39x49 inches, 100x124 cm. Haycock Press, London.
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
TOM PURVIS (1888-1959) CLACTON ON SEA. 1930. 39 1/2x49 inches, 100 1/4x124 1/2 cm. Haycock Press, London. Condition B+: minor tear in lower right corner; creases and restoration along vertical and horizontal folds. Framed. Purvis' work for the British Railroads was exclusively for the LNER, and he designed their logo as seen on this poster, which was in use for a short time. Furness contests that this particular LNER logo was designed by Purvis and "which was adapted by the company for a short time" (Furness vol. 4, p. 5). Purvis' use of "flat primary colors and the elimination of detail" (Railway p. 135) was his graphic calling card and what he is most appreciated and best remembered for. In the style of the Beggarstaff Brothers "he formed his figures solely from masses of color, without outline" (Weill p. 228). Furness vol. 4, p. 204.
Swann Auction Galleries
Jun. 09, 2016
PURVIS, Tom (1888-1959) - CHRISTMAS IN THE MARKETS, London Underground
Est: £100 - £150
lithographic poster in colours, 1932, printed by Waterlow & Sons Ltd., cond B+, not backed 40 x 25in. (101 x 63cm.)
Dreweatts 1759
Feb. 05, 2016
London Magazine. ca. 1927
Est: $1,000 - $1,200
Artist: TOM PURVIS (1888-1959) Size: 19 5/8 x 30 1/4 in./50 x 76.8 cm The Amalgamated Press, London Founded in 1732, The London Magazine is one of the oldest literary publications still in print. Here, the latest story by Rudyard Kipling is promoted with a sunny-faced flapper by Purvis.
Poster Auctions International Inc
Jan. 31, 2016
London Magazine. ca. 1927
Est: $1,000 - $1,200
Artist: TOM PURVIS (1888-1959) Size: 19 5/8 x 30 1/4 in./50 x 76.8 cm The Amalgamated Press, London Founded in 1732, The London Magazine is one of the oldest literary publications still in print. Here, the latest story by Rudyard Kipling is promoted with a sunny-faced flapper by Purvis.
Poster Auctions International Inc
Aug. 05, 2015
TOM PURVIS (1888-1959). BIF / BRITISH INDUSTRIES FAIR. 1934. 20x15 inches, 50x37 cm. Jordison & Co. Ltd., London.
Est: $200 - $300
TOM PURVIS (1888-1959) BIF / BRITISH INDUSTRIES FAIR. 1934. 20x15 inches, 50 1/2x37 3/4 cm. Jordison & Co. Ltd., London. Condition A- / B+: tear at left edge, affecting text; minor creases in margins and image. Paper.
Swann Auction Galleries
Jun. 04, 2015
Tom Purvis (1888-1959) WHITLEY BAY lithograph in colours, c.193
Est: £2,000 - £3,000
Tom Purvis (1888-1959) WHITLEY BAY lithograph in colours, c.1935, printed by S.C. Allen & Company Ltd., London, condition B+; not backed 41 x 51 in. (104 x 130 cm.)
Christie's
Oct. 14, 2014
TOM PURVIS (1888-1959). CANADIAN PACIFIC / HAPPY CRUISES. 1937. 40x24 inches, 101x62 cm. S.C. Allen & Company Ltd., London.
Est: $2,500 - $3,500
TOM PURVIS (1888-1959) CANADIAN PACIFIC / HAPPY CRUISES. 1937. 40x24 1/2 inches, 101 1/2x62 cm. S.C. Allen & Company Ltd., London. Condition A-: restoration at edges; repaired tear through right margin into image. In England, Purvis' posters ran the gamut from traditional landscapes, to people engaged in a variety of activities. His use of "flat primary colors and the elimination of detail" (Railway p. 135) was his graphic calling card and what he is most appreciated and best remembered for. In the style of the Beggarstaff Brothers, "he formed his figures solely from masses of color, without outline" (Weill p. 228). Canadian Pacific 73 (var), Poster Progress p. 73 (var), Choko p. 76 (var).
Swann Auction Galleries
Oct. 14, 2014
TOM PURVIS (1888-1959). CANADIAN PACIFIC / HAPPY CRUISES. 1937. 40x25 inches, 101x63 cm.
Est: $2,500 - $3,500
TOM PURVIS (1888-1959) CANADIAN PACIFIC / HAPPY CRUISES. 1937. 40x25 inches, 101 1/2x63 1/2 cm. Condition B+: repaired tears, minor restored losses and restoration at edges. Purvis went on to design several posters for Canadian Pacific. His designs are all notable for their simple, powerful graphics, and this image differs from some of Purvis's earlier English work in that it contains more interactive typography. Canadian Pacific cover and p. 78, Choko p. 65 (var), Voyage p. 98 (var).
Swann Auction Galleries
Oct. 14, 2014
TOM PURVIS (1888-1959). CANADA FOR HOLIDAYS / CANADIAN PACIFIC. 1937. 40x24 inches, 101x62 cm. S.C. Allen & Company Ltd., London.
Est: $3,000 - $4,000
TOM PURVIS (1888-1959) CANADA FOR HOLIDAYS / CANADIAN PACIFIC. 1937. 40x24 1/2 inches, 101 1/2x62 cm. S.C. Allen & Company Ltd., London. Condition A. In the 1930s, "alongside the exotic destinations that played a major role in the Canadian Pacific's promotional efforts, Canada was given a new prominence as the home of an expanded chain of Canadian Pacific Hotels, a sports playground for golfing and skiing, and a paradise for hunting and fishing" (Canadian Pacific p. 47). Tom Purvis, who had been producing posters for British railway companies for years, adopted images from Canada's indigenous cultures into mainstream advertising. In this fashion, he alluringly presents a young woman, in what appears to be a bikini top (several years before the bikini was introduced to the world), wearing a ceremonial headdress and smoking a peace pipe. Canadian Pacific np, Poster Progress p. 72.
Swann Auction Galleries
Oct. 14, 2014
TOM PURVIS (1888-1959). AUSTRALIA'S 150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS. 1938. 39x24 inches, 101x63 cm.
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
TOM PURVIS (1888-1959) AUSTRALIA'S 150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS. 1938. 39 3/4x24 3/4 inches, 101x63 cm. Condition B+: foxing, creases and minor abrasions in image. Monash 34.
Swann Auction Galleries
Sep. 21, 2014
Canadian Pacific. ca. 1935
Est: $700 - $900
Artist: TOM PURVIS (1888-1959) Size: 24 1/2 x 39 5/8 in./62.2 x 100.6 cm Purvis created a variety of posters for Canadian Pacific which promoted its 35 "Happy Cruises." Each showcases a simple yet compelling choice of graphics, this one being perhaps the most intricately detailed in honor of its Carnival theme.
Poster Auctions International Inc
Aug. 06, 2014
TOM PURVIS (1888-1959). AUSTIN REED'S OF REGENT STREET. Circa 1930. 59x39 inches, 151x100 cm.
Est: $3,000 - $4,000
TOM PURVIS (1888-1959) AUSTIN REED'S OF REGENT STREET. Circa 1930. 59 3/4x39 1/2 inches, 151 3/4x100 1/4 cm. Condition B+: expertly replaced margins; vertical and horizontal folds; creases and abrasions in image.
Swann Auction Galleries
Aug. 06, 2014
TOM PURVIS (1888-1959). HARROGATE. 1930. 39x49 inches, 101x126 cm. Dangerfield, London.
Est: $6,000 - $9,000
TOM PURVIS (1888-1959) HARROGATE. 1930. 39 3/4x49 3/4 inches, 101x126 1/2 cm. Dangerfield, London. Condition B+: restoration, minor restored losses and overpainting along vertical and horizontal folds. Purvis' work for the British Railroads was exclusively for the LNER. His posters run the gamut from traditional landscapes to people engaged in a variety of activities. In the style of the Beggarstaff Brothers, "he formed his figures solely from masses of color, without outline" (Weill p. 228). His use of "flat primary colors and the elimination of detail" (Railway p. 135) was his graphic calling card and what he is most appreciated and best remembered for.
Swann Auction Galleries
May. 21, 2014
Tom Purvis (1888-1959)
Est: £1,200 - £1,800
Tom Purvis (1888-1959) >IMPERIAL AIRWAYS, COMFORT IN THE AIR <br>lithograph in colours, 1937, printed by Haycock Press, London, condition A-; backed on linen >40 x 25 in. (101 x 64 cm.)<br>
Christie's