Mary Kessell Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Mary Kessell Art Value Price Guide

Jun. 02, 2026
λ MARY KESSELL (BRITISH 1910-1978) TWO ILLUSTRATIONS FOR TURGENEV'S SPORTSMAN'S DIARY
Est: £200 - £300
λ MARY KESSELL (BRITISH 1910-1978) TWO ILLUSTRATIONS FOR TURGENEV'S SPORTSMAN'S DIARYSigned with initials and dated 59 (to the mount)Watercolour20.5 x 9cm (8 x 3½in.); framed togetherProvenance:Ernest Brown & Phillips Ltd. at The Leicester Galleries, London (1960)Exhibited:London, The Leicester Galleries, Exhibition of Works by Mary Kessell, October-November 1960, no. 5Mary Kessell studied first at the Clapham School of Art, between 1935 and 1937 and then at the Central School of Arts and Crafts for two years from 1937. In 1945, she was employed as an Official War Artist; one of only three women selected by the War Artists Advisory Committee to work in Germany. She spent six weeks travelling through the country, visiting several of the major cities, including Berlin, Hamburg and Potsdam and Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. Extracts from the journal she kept during this journey, were published in The Cornhill Magazine in 1946 and together with the charcoal drawings capturing the refugees, mainly women and children, record the often harrowing sights she encountered. Her first solo exhibition was held at the Leicester Galleries, London, in 1950; the first of a series of shows held at the gallery. She later exhibited with the New Grafton Gallery in 1969.
Dreweatts 1759 Fine Sales
Jun. 02, 2026
λ MARY KESSELL (BRITISH 1910-1978) WOMAN AND CHILD
Est: £100 - £150
λ MARY KESSELL (BRITISH 1910-1978)WOMAN AND CHILDWatercolour on linen49.5 x 31.5cm (19¼ x 12¼in.)
Dreweatts 1759 Fine Sales
Jun. 02, 2026
λ MARY KESSELL (BRITISH 1910-1978) FLYING BIRD
Est: £300 - £500
λ MARY KESSELL (BRITISH 1910-1978) FLYING BIRDPastel and watercolour14 x 29.5cm (5½ x 11½in.)Executed in 1955.Exhibited:Possibly, London, Ernest Brown and Philips Ltd at the Leicester Galleries, Catalogue of the Twenty-Fourth Annual Exhibition of Paintings Drawings and Sculpture by Artists of Fame and Promise, 12 July - 11 August 1956, no. 7Possibly, London, , Ernest Brown and Philips Ltd at the Leicester Galleries, Joint exhibition with Preston Goddard, R.V. Pitchforth and Mark Kessell, Recent Paintings and Drawings, February 1957, no 20 (pastel)
Dreweatts 1759 Fine Sales
Jun. 02, 2026
λ MARY KESSELL (BRITISH 1910-1978) REFUGEES
Est: £300 - £500
λ MARY KESSELL (BRITISH 1910-1978) REFUGEESPencil and gouache18 x 26.5cm (7 x 10¼in.)Provenance:The Leicester Galleries, LondonDavid Lindsay, 28th Earl of Crawford, 11th Earl of Balcarres (1900-1975), Balcarres House, FifeAnd thence by descentExhibited:London, The Leicester Galleries, Exhibition of Works by Mary Kessell, February 1957, no. 8
Dreweatts 1759 Fine Sales
Nov. 27, 2024
Mary Kessell, Interior scene with mirrors
Est: £300 - £500
Mary Kessell, British 1914-1977 - Interior scene with mirrors; gouache and ink on paper, bears inscription on the reverse 'Mary Kessel', 25.6 x 42 cm: together with 2 other works on paper of the same medium and smaller size (3) (ARR) Note: the artist was commissioned during the Second World War to travel to Germany where she worked as an official war artist, visiting Bergen-Belsen and creating images of refugees. A retrospective exhibition of her work was held at Camden Arts Centre in 1980.
Roseberys
Jun. 11, 2024
Mary Kessell,
Est: £300 - £500
Mary Kessell, British 1914-1977 - Standing Nude, 1937; pencil and ink on paper, signed and dated lower left 'Mary M Kessell 1937', 56 x 29 cm (ARR) Provenance: with Cleveland Bridge Gallery, Bath (according to the label attached to the reverse of the frame) Note: Kessell studied at the Clapham School of Art from 1935-37 and then at the Central School of Arts and Crafts from 1937-39. She was commissioned during the Second World War to travel to Germany where she worked as an official war artist, visiting Bergen-Belsen and creating images of refugees. A retrospective exhibition of her work was held at Camden Arts Centre in 1980.
Roseberys
Nov. 29, 2023
Mary Kessell, A Doll, c.1960;
Est: £250 - £300
Mary Kessell, British 1914-1977 - A Doll, c.1960; pastel on paper, signed with initials lower right, 67.7 x 45.3 cm (ARR) Provenance: with The Leicester Galleries, London (according to the label attached to the reverse of a section of the original backing board); Mrs Muriel Julius; private collection Exhibited: The Leicester Galleries, London, 'Mary Kessel', October-November 1960, no.32 (according to the label attached to the reverse of the original backing board) Note: the artist was commissioned during the Second World War to travel to Germany where she worked as an official war artist, visiting Bergen-Belsen and creating images of refugees. A retrospective exhibition of her work was held at Camden Arts Centre in 1980. Works by the artist are in the collections of the Imperial War Museum, Government Art Collection and the Tate. 'Still Life Under the Sea, 1960' from the Tate collection was made in the same year as the present work and purchased from the same exhibition at The Leicester Galleries.
Roseberys
Oct. 25, 2023
Mary Kessell (1914-1977) Everywhere You Go You Can Be Sure of Shell, Arlington Row, Bibury
Est: £300 - £500
Mary Kessell (1914-1977) Everywhere You Go You Can Be Sure of Shell, Arlington Row, Bibury lithographic poster, 1952, condition B+; not backed, framed (30 x 40 in. (76 x 102 cm))
Lyon & Turnbull
Mar. 19, 2023
MARY KESSEL "THE DRESSING ROOM" OIL PAINTING
Est: $300 - $500
MARY KESSEL "THE DRESSING ROOM" OIL PAINTING. SIGNED. Height: 14.5 in. by Width: 15.5 in.
Lewis & Maese Antiques & Auctions
Mar. 14, 2023
Mary Kessell, British 1914-1977 - Study, c.1950; gouache and charcoal on paper, 25.3 x 30.3 cm: w
Est: £150 - £200
Mary Kessell, British 1914-1977 - Study, c.1950; gouache and charcoal on paper, 25.3 x 30.3 cm: with original backing board (ARR) Provenance: with The Leicester Galleries, London (according to the label attached to the reverse of the original backing board); D. K. Roberts (according to the label attached to the reverse of the original backing board); with Goldmark Gallery, Rutland; private collection Exhibited: The Leicester Galleries, London, 'Mary Kessel', May 1950, no.12 (according to the label attached to the reverse of the original backing board) Note: The artist was commissioned during the Second World War to travel to Germany where she worked as an official war artist, visiting Bergen-Belsen and creating images of refugees. A retrospective exhibition of her work was held at Camden Arts Centre in 1980.
Roseberys
Dec. 08, 2022
Mary Kessell, British 1914-1977 - Self-Portrait; oil and gouache on paper, laid down, 46 x 35 c
Est: £200 - £300
Mary Kessell, British 1914-1977 - Self-Portrait; oil and gouache on paper, laid down, 46 x 35 cm (ARR) Provenance: Sotheby's, London, Modern British and Irish Paintings, Drawings and Sculpture, 8th March 1995, lot 73, illus. pg. 31 (unsold)
Roseberys
Nov. 19, 2019
MARY KESSELL (BRITISH 1914 – 1977)
Est: £80 - £100
MARY KESSELL (BRITISH 1914 – 1977) Doll, c.1960 Coloured crayon on buff paper 55 x 82 cm Provenance: Leicester Galleries, 1960 label attached verso Mary M Kessell was a British figurative painter, illustrator, designer and war artist. Born in London, she studied at the Clapham School of Art, then later at the Central School of Arts and Crafts. At the end of the Second World War, she was commissioned to work in Germany as an official British war artist.
Chiswick Auctions
Nov. 29, 2016
Mary Kessell (1914-1977) - Coloured lithograph - Shell Oil Poster - "Arlington Row, Bibury" - "Everywhere You Go You Can Be Sure of Shell", printed by Vincent Brooks, Day & Son, Ltd, London, (1952), 30ins x 40ins
Est: £200 - £300
Mary Kessell (1914-1977) - Coloured lithograph - Shell Oil Poster - "Arlington Row, Bibury" - "Everywhere You Go You Can Be Sure of Shell", printed by Vincent Brooks, Day & Son, Ltd, London, (1952), 30ins x 40ins
Canterbury Auction Galleries
Oct. 04, 2016
Mary Kessell (1914-1977) - Coloured lithograph - Shell Oil Poster - "Arlington Row, Bibury" - "Everywhere You Go You Can Be Sure of Shell", printed by Vincent Brooks, Day & Son, Ltd, London, (1952), 30ins x 40ins
Est: £300 - £400
Mary Kessell (1914-1977) - Coloured lithograph - Shell Oil Poster - "Arlington Row, Bibury" - "Everywhere You Go You Can Be Sure of Shell", printed by Vincent Brooks, Day & Son, Ltd, London, (1952), 30ins x 40ins
Canterbury Auction Galleries
Jul. 28, 2016
* Mary KESSEL (1914-1977), Charcoal & gouache, 'Winter' - wood, Inscribed t
Est: £100 - £200
* Mary KESSEL (1914-1977), Charcoal & gouache, 'Winter' - wood, Inscribed to verso, 18.25" x 9.5" (6.3cm x 24.1cm), Provenance: Exhibited Leicester Galleries London Feb. 1957, Purchaser Lord Croft
W.H. Lane & Son
Nov. 07, 2012
• Mary Kessell (1914-1977), A quiet stream, oil on
Est: £300 - £500
• Mary Kessell (1914-1977), A quiet stream, oil on board, signed and dated '69, 50cm x 60cm
Bellmans Auctioneers
May. 15, 2012
Mary Kessell (1914-1977)
Est: £600 - £800
Mary Kessell (1914-1977) A quiet stream signed and dated 'Kessell/'69' (upper right) oil on board 20¼ x 24¼ in. (51.4 x 61.6 cm.)
Christie's
Jun. 30, 2011
Mary Kessell (1914-1978) 'Tobias and the Angel-Fantasy' 20 x 16in.
Est: £100 - £150
Mary Kessell (1914-1978) ink drawing, 'Tobias and the Angel-Fantasy' signed in pencil and dated 1958, 20 x 16in.
Gorringes
Apr. 08, 2011
MARY KESSEL, SIGNED AND DATED '56, CHARCOAL
Est: £75 - £90
MARY KESSEL, SIGNED AND DATED '56, CHARCOAL DRAWING, Tree Study, 14" x 9"
Keys Fine Art Auctioneers
Apr. 08, 2011
MARY KESSEL, INSCRIBED VERSO, MIXED MEDIA, "Spring
Est: £80 - £100
MARY KESSEL, INSCRIBED VERSO, MIXED MEDIA, "Spring Landscape" (see Leicester Gallery label verso), 10 1/2 " x 12 1/2 "
Keys Fine Art Auctioneers
Jun. 30, 2010
Mary Kessell (1914-1977) Euphorbia, original
Est: £100 - £150
Mary Kessell (1914-1977) Euphorbia, original poster printed for LT by Whitehead 1964 - 102 x 63 cm
Onslows
Jun. 16, 2010
Mary Kessell (1914-1977) Horse study Signed with
Est: £80 - £100
Mary Kessell (1914-1977) Horse study Signed with initials Watercolour over black chalk 20 x 26cm; 8 x 10¼in Good condition
Woolley & Wallis
Oct. 06, 2009
Mary Kessell 1914-1977- "Four Ancient Elements";
Est: £400 - £600
Mary Kessell 1914-1977- "Four Ancient Elements"; oils on canvas, a pair, both signed and dated 1955, 136x440cm., ea., (2) (unframed). Provenance: Imperial Chemical Industries Limited, see illustration pg 225 "Patron- Industry Supports the Arts", publ by the Connoisseur, 1966
Roseberys
Sep. 08, 2009
Mary Kessell 1914-1977- "Four Ancient Elements";
Est: £400 - £600
Mary Kessell 1914-1977- "Four Ancient Elements"; oils on canvas, a pair, both signed and dated 1955, 136x440cm., ea., (2) (unframed). Provenance: Imperial Chemical Industries Limited, see illustration pg 225 "Patron- Industry Supports the Arts", publ by the Connoisseur, 1966
Roseberys
Jun. 30, 2009
Mary Kessell (1914-1976) Two abstract figure
Est: £120 - £180
Mary Kessell (1914-1976) Two abstract figure studies brown chalk or gouache each 24 x 15 cm (9 1/2 x 6 in), unframed together with three nude studies by Charles Kingsley Sutton, two by Bernard Casson and a study for a medallion in the style of Eric Gill, various media and sizes, unframed
Holloway's
Apr. 07, 2009
Attributed to Mary Kessell (b. 1914) A wooded
Est: £150 - £250
Attributed to Mary Kessell (b. 1914) A wooded landscape Oil on board Bears signature and date '69 upper right 50cm x 60cm
Dreweatts 1759
Apr. 07, 2009
Mary Kessel (b. 1914) Bison in a forest fire Oil
Est: £200 - £400
Mary Kessel (b. 1914) Bison in a forest fire Oil on canvas 63cm x 75cm Exhibited: Exhibition of works by Mary Kessel, The Leicester Galleries, February 1957, No. 24, bought by Miss M. Daunt. The Wilfrid Evill Memorial Exhibition 1965, Brighton Art Gallery
Dreweatts 1759
Oct. 30, 2008
Mary Kessell (British, b.1914) Annabelle, a Poodle
Est: £80 - £120
Mary Kessell (British, b.1914) Annabelle, a Poodle signed lower right with initials "MK '56" oil on board 77 x 43cm Provenance: Leicester Galleries, Leicester Square, London, WC2, Mary Kessell Exhibition, No.7 Exhibited: Leicester Galleries, Leicester Square, London, WC2 1957, Mary Kessell Exhibition, No.7
Cheffins
Jun. 13, 2008
Watercolours: ATTRIBUTED TO MARY KESSELL
Est: £200 - £300
Watercolours: ATTRIBUTED TO MARY KESSELL (1914-1977) Church landscape, signed with initials, gouache, 29 1/2" x 21 1/2" (see illustration).
Mallams
Nov. 14, 2007
Mary Kessell (1914-1977), 'Annabelle', 1957,
Est: £100 - £200
Mary Kessell (1914-1977), 'Annabelle', 1957, signed with initials and dated '56, oil on board, 76 x 43 cm Exhibited at the Leicester Galleries 1957
Sworders
Oct. 09, 2007
Mary Kessell 1914-1977- "Fir Tree in Kew Gardens";
Est: £100 - £200
Mary Kessell 1914-1977- "Fir Tree in Kew Gardens"; charcoal, signed and dated 55, bears label for Ernest Brown and Phillips, Ltd., The Leicester Galleries, London, attached verso: 48x25.5cm: British School mid 20th century- Nude study; pen and brown ink, (2)
Roseberys
May. 15, 2003
Mary Kessel (b.1910)
Est: $1,312 - $1,968
Portrait studies charcoal 4 3/8 x 41/4 in. (11.1 x 10.8 cm.) and smaller three in a common mount (3) PROVENANCE Purchased by Derek Hill at the 1950 exhibition. EXHIBITION London, The Leicester Galleries, Exhibition of Works by Mary Kessell, May 1950, no.32.
Christie's