An early 20th century primitively made studio stool or stand. Provenance: From the Estates of June Barrington Ward & Maggie Cameron Fraser ‘Two Remarkable Ladies’ June Barrington-Ward 1922-2002 & Maggie Cameron Fraser 1923-2021 For several decades, two remarkable ladies lived contentedly in the remote farmhouse near Lanreath in Cornwall that they had restored and shared since the 1970s.

June Barrington-Ward was a sculptor. She trained at Chelsea School of Art and exhibited widely during the 1960s & 70s. Her work featured in group shows in prestigious galleries and locations like the Royal Academy alongside artists such as Denis Mitchell, John Milne & Kim Lim. June was the daughter of Lancelot Barrington-Ward KCVO, a royal surgeon to King George VI and his family. He also played rugby for England. Her grandfather was the vicar of Duloe in Cornwall.

Although her work was applauded by contemporary critics, she never pursued recognition. In the words of a family member “she didn’t seek fame and I believe she was simply happy to be left alone to make things.” Maggie Cameron Fraser was an academic who specialised in antique glass, a subject on which she wrote extensively and lectured at the Victoria & Albert Museum. Some of the very fine pieces in this sale were part of her treasured collection. They met during the Second World War. June, in the WRNS, drove ambulances in London and Maggie worked at Bletchley Park. For many years they shared a large property in Chiswick with a studio, until making the move to Cornwall. Maggie bought their magical house in North East Cornwall from the Carlyon Family in 1978. After renovating their home, they settled happily into retirement, Maggie astutely playing the stock market and June continuing to create sculpture. June died in 2002 and Maggie followed her last year. The home they left, and their wonderful collection of art and antiques, stand as a celebration and testament to their happy life together.

A wonderful item together with a fascinating history.

Dimensions 20” (51cm) tall x 11” (28cm) square

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