Fine Art

Geoffrey de Selincourt - 'Kyrenia' (Cyprus), mid-20th century watercolour, signed recto, sheet size 26.5cm x 28cm, tipped onto titled card. Note: Geoffrey de Selincourt, born in 1901, was the son of Martin de Selincourt, a successful businessman and owner of the renowned Swan & Edgar store in Piccadilly Circus, London. He grew up in a distinguished family, with siblings that included the notable author Aubrey de Selincourt, the illustrator Guy de Selincourt, and Dorothy, who was married to A.A. Milne. Geoffrey's most successful period as an artist came in the early 1930s when he was represented by Lucy Wertheim as part of her 'Twenties Group', which included Christopher Wood, Barbara Hepworth, Victor Pasmore, Roger Hilton, Mervyn Peake and Nan Youngman amongst others. During this time, his work was also exhibited at the Cooling Galleries in London and Aldridge Bros in Worthing. Described as 'a harmless eccentric who knew nothing but his love for painting', Geoffrey led a somewhat carefree life. However, his decision to pursue a career in art led to his disinheritance by his father. Consequently, he relied on the generosity of friends and family members, often staying with them until he had outstayed his welcome. By 1932, Geoffrey was living with his uncle, the author Hugh de Selincourt, near Pulborough, Sussex, where he offered art lessons. In 1935, he moved to France, residing with the American artists and intellectuals Earl and Achsah Brewster at Chateau Brun, a hub for creatives that was frequented by figures like D.H. Lawrence, Edith Lewis, and Willa Cather. Later, Geoffrey spent time in India as an itinerant yogi before relocating to Cyprus in the 1940s. Initially, he lived with Sushil Dutt and Miss Black in Kyrenia, later spending two years in Nicosia, teaching art while living with two sisters known as 'the Egyptians.' Geoffrey returned to Kyrenia in 1947, moving in with Lieutenant-Colonel W.E. Pain and his wife, Violet. The Pains, described as an 'eccentric and vain couple' had taken up art in their later years. They enjoyed having de Selincourt's 'cheerful spirit', around their home, and the three of them even lived together in a caravan they called the 'Trojan Horse'. However, the Pains eventually grew tired of supporting Selincourt, leading to his departure from Cyprus. It is believed that Geoffrey de Selincourt later died of tuberculosis, though the time and place of his death remain unknown.