Paintings and Works of Art from the Collections of the Late Lord Clark of Saltwood O.M., C.H., K.C.B.

Artists: Henry Moore, Sidney Nolan, Graham Sutherland, Ben Nicholson, Victor Pasmore, John Ruskin, Thomas Girtin, J.M.W.Turner, Auguste Rodin, Edgar Degas, Vanessa Bell et al. 
Authors: Various 
Publisher: Sotheby's 
Date: 27th June, 3rd July and 5th July 1984 
Condition: Generally good, the printed softback cover with a light vertical crease and a small nick at the top of the spine; internally some signs of handling but unmarked. Loosely inserted is a Sotheby's printed list of the prices achieved.

Kenneth Clark was a very significant figure in the arts in Britain in the mid-twentieth century, having influential roles in both the museum world (he was appointed Director of the National Gallery aged just 30) and in his writing, broadcasting, support (or otherwise) for artists and the setting up of bodies such as the War Artists' Advisory Committee. 

His personal collecting was significant too and his friendships with artists such as Henry Moore, Victor Pasmore and Graham Sutherland combined with his love for, and understanding of the art of the past. Thus, when Sotheby's held this three-part auction the year after Clark's death, the range of work, from Modern British art, through the Impressionists, Medieval and Renaissance manuscripts, classical sculpture, Old Master and Romantic paintings, to Italian Maiolica and African art, was quite astounding.

The highpoint was the final lot in the sale, his painting of Folkestone by J.M.W.Turner, which made £7,370,000, an unbelievable sum at the time.