Derek Carruthers (1935–2021) – The Mannequin Gathering – Dated 1996 Original Watercolour

This exceptional original work, signed and dated October 1996, is a masterclass in draughtsmanship and atmospheric composition. Executed in watercolour and fine ink, the painting depicts a complex, rhythmic arrangement of articulated artists’ mannequins congregating around a dark, central vessel.

The detail in this piece is remarkable, Carruthers uses precise, architectural ink lines to define the mechanical joints and wooden textures of the mannequin figures, lending them a surprising sense of weight and intention. These figures are set against a series of ethereal, layered blue washes that create a profound sense of depth, suggesting the mannequins are suspended in a dreamlike or subterranean "theatre." The interplay of light and shadow on the rounded forms of the mannequins demonstrates Carruthers' lifelong obsession with form and volume, transforming these inanimate studio tools into a poignant commentary on human interaction and social dynamics.

Derek Carruthers was a pre-eminent figure within the Modern British Art movement, celebrated both as a practitioner and a visionary educator. Victor Pasmore, the two were influential forces in the mid-century radical art scene in England, particularly through the pioneering 'Basic Research' movement.

Carruthers held the prestigious position of Head of Fine Art at Durham University. It was here that he frequently utilised articulated artists’ mannequins as pedagogical tools to teach his students about form, scale, and spatial relationships. In his later career, these mannequins transitioned from humble studio aids to his primary subject matter. He painted these figures to explore the "Human Comedy," using their anonymous, articulated forms to represent social structures and collective human behaviour without the distraction of individual identity.

Purchased from the Estate of Derek Carruthers.

His works are held in prestigious public institutions

Dealer’s Comments

"What strikes me most about this 1996 piece is the exquisite tension Carruthers achieves. The way the mannequin figures lean into the central void is almost visceral. Having come directly from the artist's estate, the condition is impeccable. It is rare to find a work that so perfectly bridges the gap between the rigorous academic discipline of the Durham University years and the playful, post-modernist curiosity of Carruthers' later period. It is a sophisticated, cerebral work that stands as a testament to his status alongside Pasmore."

Condition Report

Great condition - Purchased from the Estate of Derek Carruthers.

Measurement

Height:        82 cm   /     32.28 inches (with mount)

Width:         61 cm   /      24.01 inches (with mount)

Height:        71 cm   /      27.95 inches (without mount)

Width:         50 cm   /     19.86 inches (without mount)