The collection, featuring the work of John Tunnard, will go under the hammer at Anderson & Garland auctions in Newcastle, on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
The auction, titled ‘John Tunnard – The Brian Whitton Collection: Their Lives and Work,’ comes from the private holdings of Professor Brian Whitton, a distinguished Durham botanist who amassed what is widely regarded as the finest private collection of the artist’s work.
Julian Thomson, managing director at Anderson & Garland, said: “This collection offers a rare opportunity to encounter Tunnard’s work as it was truly lived with and understood.
“Brian Whitton brought extraordinary insight to his collecting, and it is a privilege to present works that reflect such depth of knowledge and personal connection.”
Tunnard’s work, known for its blend of abstraction, surrealism, and landscape, remains difficult to categorise and has gained renewed interest as surrealism re-emerges in contemporary culture.
Professor Whitton, who developed an interest in Tunnard during visits to Cornwall, became a key figure in Tunnard scholarship, co-authoring a definitive publication and bequeathing important works to The Tate.
Anderson & Garland will present the collection across two sales, with the first auction featuring some of the most visually striking and historically significant pieces.
Fred Wyrley-Birch, auctioneer and director, said: “This is a collection shaped by a lifetime of scholarship, instinct, and passion.”
It will be available for viewing in London by appointment only at Hay Hill, Mayfair, on Friday, April 10, and Saturday, April 11.
Public viewing will continue at Anderson House in Newcastle on Tuesday, April 21, and Wednesday, April 22, from 10am to 3pm.
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A special talk and tour, titled ‘A Singular Vision: The Legacy of John Tunnard in a Private Collection,’ will take place at Anderson House on Tuesday, April 21, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, led by Mr Wyrley-Birch.
Part two of the collection will be offered later in the year.
Enquiries can be directed to joseph@andersonandgarland.com or by calling (0191) 430 3000.
