As It Unfolds: Property From the Personal Collection of Robin Woodhead

Carl Toms

Posner the Goldsmith; Soldier

Artist's Resale Right

Lot Closed

November 10, 02:27 PM GMT

Estimate

400 - 600 GBP

Lot Details

Description

Carl Toms

1927 - 1999

Posner the Goldsmith; Soldier

one signed Carl Toms (lower left); titled and inscribed (upper right); and the other signed Carl Toms (lower right); titled and inscribed (upper right); also signed Carl Toms (on the reverse)

wash and pencil on paper; wash, ink and pencil on paper

each unframed: 52 by 38.5cm.; 20½ by 15¼in.

each framed: 87 by 73cm.; 34 by 28¾in.

With a family background in tailoring, it was perhaps a natural choice for Carl Toms to work for the theatre, designing both stage sets and costumes. He became a pioneer of avant-garde design of his time, understanding contemporary trends and fashions, and yet, the present lot also demonstrates the breadth of his skill in gauging the cultures and costumes of historical epochs.

After serving in World War II, Toms studied with Cecil Beaton at the Royal College Art, before leaving to train under the prolific designers working at the Old Vic School. This led to Toms meeting Oliver Messel, who was a prominent set and costume designer of his time, where he notably worked on a new ballet for the Royal Opera House, commissioned to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.