I was concerned to read Maev Kennedy (We need a lobster phone, but two?, 17 October) on the upcoming sale of surrealist art works by West Dean college. As an MA curating student from Sussex University, I worked at West Dean this spring when the prospect of a permanent gallery space was being discussed. I never imagined the trustees would consider funding it by selling off the art that would go in it.
During the 1930s, Edward James, whose foundation set up West Dean in 1971, collaborated closely with three surrealist artists: Salvador Dali, René Magritte and Pavel Tchelitchew. Almost all of his collection of Dalis and Magrittes was auctioned by West Dean in the 70s and 80s, so the Tchelitchews have particular significance. For a “large group of paintings” by Tchelitchew to be included in the auction is deeply worrying.
Tchelitchew is now revered in his native Russia, where his works command high prices at auction. There is clearly a temptation to cash in. James’s collection includes many of Tchelitchew’s finest works from his English period (1928-1939) and is of unique international importance.
As the value of Tchelitchew’s work continues to rise, its power to attract visitors to West Dean offers far more long-term cultural and financial value than its premature sale would realise.
Sue Wood
Brighton
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