Gillian Ross Kelsey: A Lifetime in Colour presents 50 works from the home and studio of British artist Gillian Ross Kelsey, offering buyers a rare opportunity to explore a collection that remained close to the artist herself.
Born in Grimsby, Ross Kelsey trained at Camberwell School of Art before later gaining her MA at Nottingham Trent University. Her long career saw her move from figurative subjects, still lifes and landscapes towards increasingly abstract compositions, while maintaining a deep interest in colour, shape, texture and light. Below, we take a closer look at a small selection of highlights from the wider collection.
Colour, Symbol & Abstraction
Several works in the collection reflect Ross Kelsey’s interest in symbolism, rhythm and expressive composition.
Sacred Symbols, a mixed media work on board, is one of the opening lots in the sale. Measuring 60cm by 61cm and titled on a label verso, it carries an estimate of
£200 to £300. The work sets the tone for a collection rooted in colour, mark-making and imaginative structure.
Celtic Impressions is another strong example, painted in acrylic on board and measuring 76cm by 76cm. Signed and titled on a label verso, it is estimated at
£200 to £300 and suggests Ross Kelsey’s ability to build atmosphere through layered forms and visual energy.
The Sun Has Got His Hat On also stands out for its scale and presence. The acrylic on board measures 107cm by 102cm and is estimated at
£200 to £300, offering buyers a larger format work with strong decorative impact.