The renowned ‘Kitty and her Pals’, created by Dame Laura Knight DBE RA (1877–1970), captures the essence of the much-loved landscape and is highly acclaimed.
Dame Laura was a trailblazer in British art, becoming the first woman since the 18th century to be elected a full member of the Royal Academy.
She built her reputation by bringing to life everyday scenes and championing subjects outside of the academic norm.
She found particular joy and inspiration in Malvern and the surrounding areas, regularly visiting the area with her husband, Harold Knight, from 1929.
During her time here, the couple stayed at the Colwall Hotel on the Herefordshire side of the Malvern ridge.
This gave Knight access to a lively circle of artists, musicians, poets and actors who were drawn to the area by its natural charm and cultural events.
The Worcestershire-Herefordshire border provided Knight with both breath-taking landscapes and vibrant local personalities who struck a chord with her.
The painting ‘Kitty and her Pals’ was borne out of this fruitful period.
It features the character Alice Betteridge, a prominent figure known for running pony and donkey rides at the Malvern Festival, and ‘Kitty’, a beloved pony.
This artwork reflects the vibrant rural life, festival atmosphere and sense of community that defined Malvern during Knight’s time.
First exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1959, the painting has featured in several prestigious exhibitions, winning admiration for its affectionate portrayal of the area.
The oil-on-canvas artwork, 71.5 by 91.5 centimetres in size, is anticipated to sell for between £6,000 and £9,000 at the Woolley & Wallis’ Modern British & 20th Century Art sale on December 11.
Ed Beer, an art specialist at Woolley & Wallis, said: “Kitty and her Pals encapsulates Laura Knight’s profound affection for Malvern.
“It is a painting shaped by place, community and friends and it demonstrates the delight she found in the people and animals that coloured her visits.
“Works with such strong local connections and such distinguished exhibition histories are increasingly sought after and we anticipate wide interest.”
