Ceramic Angel (1958) was acquired for the SAM collection from the Collection of Reg Grundy AC OBE and Joy Chamers- Grundy, which was offered for auction by Bonhams in June 2013. The Grundys purchased the work in 1988 from a
Melbourne couple who knew John Perceval well.
While it may be the least animated of the Angel series, Ceramic Angel, with its quiet look of contemplation, is more like a portrait rather than a traditional Perceval Angel, and as such is very much a stand-alone sculpture.
‘The Angel fulfils several areas of focus in the SAM Collection being: it is by an Australian Artist and ceramicist who was based in Victoria; and has a relationship to works by Perceval already in the Collection,' Mayor of Greater Shepparton Jenny Houlihan said. ‘The acquisition and the continuing generosity of Carrillo Gantner and the Sir Andrew and Lady Fairley Foundation is very exciting and a huge bonus for SAM and our community,'
John Perceval's Angels have always been popular with the public since their inception in 1957, with big shows in Melbourne and Sydney in 1958 and 1959. The first exhibition of 23 ceramic angels was held at the Museum of Modern Art of Australia (MOMA), Melbourne, from 2 - 12 September 1958, directed by Perceval's patron and friend, John Reed. Bernard Smith described this exhibition as ‘one of the most important one-man shows held in Australia since the war'. It was also a commercial success with the well-heeled members of MOMA buying many works. Enthused by their acceptance, Perceval held another exhibition of 33 Angels at the Terry Clune Galleries, Sydney, in May 1959 which was opened by William Dobell, then Australia's most famous artist.
Following this, SAM will be the next gallery, which in August 2014 will exhibit the Perceval's Angel series in a new exhibition exclusive to Shepparton, titled Delinquent Angel. SAM's three angels will be included in this exhibition among many others loaned from state, regional and private collections.
John Perceval (1923 - 2000)
Ceramic Angel 1958
glazed ceramic
25 x 10 x 10 cm
signed and dated ‘Perceval 58' on base
Shepparton Art Museum Collection, purchased 2013
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