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Denis Mitchell 1912 - 1993. St Ives School 1944 Still Life Framed Oil Painting by Barbara Hepworth's Principal Assistant. Important Cornwall Cornish Artist.
Big Sky Fine Art
for sale €5,025     $5,455
£4,295
Big Sky Fine Art

Big Sky Fine Art

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Denis Mitchell 1912 - 1993. St Ives School 1944 Still Life Framed Oil Painting by Barbara Hepworth's Principal Assistant. Important Cornwall Cornish Artist.

1920 - 1940
For Sale by Big Sky Fine Art
Description

Denis Mitchell.

English ( b.1912 - d.1993 ).

Still Life Of Gourds With Japanese Celadon Vase And Dragon Decorated Plate, 1944.

Oil On Tea Crate Plywood Panel.

Signed & Dated Lower Left.

Image size 17.5 inches x 13.6 inches ( 44.5cm x 34.5cm ).

Frame size 22.2 inches x 17.9 inches ( 56.5cm x 45.5cm ).

Available for sale from Big Sky Fine Art in the English county of Dorset; this important original oil painting is by Denis Mitchell of the St Ives School and is dated 1944 (during World War II).

Interestingly, the painting is on a cut plywood panel of a tea crate/chest.

The painting is presented and supplied in its original wooden frame (which is shown in these photographs) which is hand painted in household gloss paint.

We have chosen not to attempt to improve on this natural aesthetic of the frame.

This vintage painting is in good condition, commensurate with its age and is being supplied in an untouched condition with no cleaning, restoration or conservation. It is ready to hang and display.

The painting is signed and dated lower left. Mitchell's self-caricature is part of the signature.

Good News for our US Customers!

From 24 July 2026 the original works of art we sell are classified under the US Harmonised Tariff Schedule (HTS) Chapter 97 as exempt from the additional Section 301 import tariffs introduced in February 2026. This means that this original work of art can be imported into the United States without these additional tariffs. This allows American customers to buy from us with confidence, knowing that they are not going to be penalised by this global tariff.

Please note that normal U.S. Customs procedures and any applicable US State sales or use taxes remain unchanged.

We provide a professional shipping and delivery service which is free to customers in the UK, Europe, USA and Canada. We can also provide other worldwide delivery on any purchase. Please contact us for further information.

Denis Mitchell was a British sculptor, painter and teacher; a consummate craftsman and one of the leading lights in the St Ives School. Initially a painter, he became renowned for his exemplary polished bronze sculptures. It has been said that no sculptor junior to Hepworth and Moore other than Mitchell made such a profound impact on twentieth century British sculpture.

Born in Middlesex, brought up in South Wales, he lived most of his life in Cornwall, where he was one of the leading lights in the St Ives modern school. He was Principal Assistant to Barbara Hepworth for a decade and a good friend to many of the leading artists of British modern art.

Mitchell’s work is in many leading public collections, both in the UK and internationally.

© Big Sky Fine Art

For a full biography of this artist please see his listing on www.bigskyfineart.com .

A full range of stock is available to browse or purchase at www.bigskyfineart.com .

Contact us by phone on +44 (0) 1305 581426 or email art@bigskyfineart.com .

Physical Dimensions
Height
56.5cm (22.24")
Width
45.5cm (17.91")
Depth
3.5cm (1.38")
Declaration

Big Sky Fine Art has dated this St Ives School Oil Painting to the 1940s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1112797
Description
Denis Mitchell.

English ( b.1912 - d.1993 ).

Still Life Of Gourds With Japanese Celadon Vase And Dragon Decorated Plate, 1944.

Oil On Tea Crate Plywood Panel.

Signed & Dated Lower Left.

Image size 17.5 inches x 13.6 inches ( 44.5cm x 34.5cm ).

fig 1. A framed modernist still life oil painting featuring a decorated vase, two green gourds, and a red dragon motif dish set against a green patterned background.
fig 1. Denis Mitchell 1912 - 1993. St Ives School 1944 Still Life Framed Oil Painting by Barbara Hepworth's Principal Assistant. Important Cornwall Cornish Artist.

Frame size 22.2 inches x 17.9 inches ( 56.5cm x 45.5cm ).

Available for sale from Big Sky Fine Art in the English county of Dorset; this important original oil painting is by Denis Mitchell of the St Ives School and is dated 1944 (during World War II).
Big Sky Fine Art
fig 2. A framed modernist still life oil painting featuring a decorated vase, two green gourds, and a red dragon motif dish set against a green patterned background.
fig 2. Denis Mitchell 1912 - 1993. St Ives School 1944 Still Life Framed Oil Painting by Barbara Hepworth's Principal Assistant. Important Cornwall Cornish Artist.

Interestingly, the painting is on a cut plywood panel of a tea crate/chest.

The painting is presented and supplied in its original wooden frame (which is shown in these photographs) which is hand painted in household gloss paint.

fig 3. A framed modernist still life oil painting featuring a decorated vase, two green gourds, and a red dragon motif dish set against a green patterned background.
fig 3. Denis Mitchell 1912 - 1993. St Ives School 1944 Still Life Framed Oil Painting by Barbara Hepworth's Principal Assistant. Important Cornwall Cornish Artist.

We have chosen not to attempt to improve on this natural aesthetic of the frame.

This vintage painting is in good condition, commensurate with its age and is being supplied in an untouched condition with no cleaning, restoration or conservation. It is ready to hang and display.

fig 4. A framed modernist still life oil painting featuring a decorated vase, two green gourds, and a red dragon motif dish set against a green patterned background.
fig 4. Denis Mitchell 1912 - 1993. St Ives School 1944 Still Life Framed Oil Painting by Barbara Hepworth's Principal Assistant. Important Cornwall Cornish Artist.

The painting is signed and dated lower left. Mitchell's self-caricature is part of the signature.

Good News for our US Customers!

From 24 July 2026 the original works of art we sell are classified under the US Harmonised Tariff Schedule (HTS) Chapter 97 as exempt from the additional Section 301 import tariffs introduced in February 2026. This means that this original work of art can be imported into the United States without these additional tariffs. This allows American customers to buy from us with confidence, knowing that they are not going to be penalised by this global tariff.

fig 5. A framed modernist still life oil painting featuring a decorated vase, two green gourds, and a red dragon motif dish set against a green patterned background.
fig 5. Denis Mitchell 1912 - 1993. St Ives School 1944 Still Life Framed Oil Painting by Barbara Hepworth's Principal Assistant. Important Cornwall Cornish Artist.

Please note that normal U.S. Customs procedures and any applicable US State sales or use taxes remain unchanged.

We provide a professional shipping and delivery service which is free to customers in the UK, Europe, USA and Canada. We can also provide other worldwide delivery on any purchase. Please contact us for further information.

fig 6. A framed modernist still life oil painting featuring a decorated vase, two green gourds, and a red dragon motif dish set against a green patterned background.
fig 6. Denis Mitchell 1912 - 1993. St Ives School 1944 Still Life Framed Oil Painting by Barbara Hepworth's Principal Assistant. Important Cornwall Cornish Artist.

Denis Mitchell was a British sculptor, painter and teacher; a consummate craftsman and one of the leading lights in the St Ives School. Initially a painter, he became renowned for his exemplary polished bronze sculptures. It has been said that no sculptor junior to Hepworth and Moore other than Mitchell made such a profound impact on twentieth century British sculpture.

fig 7. A framed modernist still life oil painting featuring a decorated vase, two green gourds, and a red dragon motif dish set against a green patterned background.
fig 7. Denis Mitchell 1912 - 1993. St Ives School 1944 Still Life Framed Oil Painting by Barbara Hepworth's Principal Assistant. Important Cornwall Cornish Artist.

Born in Middlesex, brought up in South Wales, he lived most of his life in Cornwall, where he was one of the leading lights in the St Ives modern school. He was Principal Assistant to Barbara Hepworth for a decade and a good friend to many of the leading artists of British modern art.

fig 8. A framed modernist still life oil painting featuring a decorated vase, two green gourds, and a red dragon motif dish set against a green patterned background.
fig 8. Denis Mitchell 1912 - 1993. St Ives School 1944 Still Life Framed Oil Painting by Barbara Hepworth's Principal Assistant. Important Cornwall Cornish Artist.

Mitchell’s work is in many leading public collections, both in the UK and internationally.

© Big Sky Fine Art

For a full biography of this artist please see his listing on www.bigskyfineart.com .

A full range of stock is available to browse or purchase at www.bigskyfineart.com .

Contact us by phone on +44 (0) 1305 581426 or email art@bigskyfineart.com .

Height
56.5cm (22.24")
Width
45.5cm (17.91")
Depth
3.5cm (1.38")
Date of Manufacture

Big Sky Fine Art has dated this St Ives School Oil Painting to the 1940s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1112797
Big Sky Fine Art
Big Sky Fine Art
Sellingantiques verified Since Aug 2020

Dealers in original fine art from 1800

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Big Sky Fine Art Profile Page

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A framed modernist still life oil painting featuring a decorated vase, two green gourds, and a red dragon motif dish set against a green patterned background.
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Archive I A framed modernist still life oil painting featuring a decorated vase, two green gourds, and a red dragon motif dish set against a green patterned background.

Denis Mitchell 1912 - 1993. St Ives School 1944 Still Life Framed Oil Painting by Barbara Hepworth's Principal Assistant. Important Cornwall Cornish Artist.

Archive II A framed modernist still life oil painting featuring a decorated vase, two green gourds, and a red dragon motif dish set against a green patterned background. View II
Archive III A framed modernist still life oil painting featuring a decorated vase, two green gourds, and a red dragon motif dish set against a green patterned background. View III
Archive IV A framed modernist still life oil painting featuring a decorated vase, two green gourds, and a red dragon motif dish set against a green patterned background. View IV
Archive V A framed modernist still life oil painting featuring a decorated vase, two green gourds, and a red dragon motif dish set against a green patterned background. View V
Archive VI A framed modernist still life oil painting featuring a decorated vase, two green gourds, and a red dragon motif dish set against a green patterned background. View VI
Archive VII A framed modernist still life oil painting featuring a decorated vase, two green gourds, and a red dragon motif dish set against a green patterned background. View VII
Archive VIII A framed modernist still life oil painting featuring a decorated vase, two green gourds, and a red dragon motif dish set against a green patterned background. View VIII
Archive IX A framed modernist still life oil painting featuring a decorated vase, two green gourds, and a red dragon motif dish set against a green patterned background. View IX
Archive X A framed modernist still life oil painting featuring a decorated vase, two green gourds, and a red dragon motif dish set against a green patterned background. View X
Archive XI A framed modernist still life oil painting featuring a decorated vase, two green gourds, and a red dragon motif dish set against a green patterned background. View XI
Archive XII A framed modernist still life oil painting featuring a decorated vase, two green gourds, and a red dragon motif dish set against a green patterned background. View XII
Archive XIII A framed modernist still life oil painting featuring a decorated vase, two green gourds, and a red dragon motif dish set against a green patterned background. View XIII
Archive XIV A framed modernist still life oil painting featuring a decorated vase, two green gourds, and a red dragon motif dish set against a green patterned background. View XIV
Archive XV A framed modernist still life oil painting featuring a decorated vase, two green gourds, and a red dragon motif dish set against a green patterned background. View XV
Archive XVI A framed modernist still life oil painting featuring a decorated vase, two green gourds, and a red dragon motif dish set against a green patterned background. View XVI
Archive XVII A framed modernist still life oil painting featuring a decorated vase, two green gourds, and a red dragon motif dish set against a green patterned background. View XVII
Archive XVIII A framed modernist still life oil painting featuring a decorated vase, two green gourds, and a red dragon motif dish set against a green patterned background. View XVIII
Archive XIX A framed modernist still life oil painting featuring a decorated vase, two green gourds, and a red dragon motif dish set against a green patterned background. View XIX
Archive XX A framed modernist still life oil painting featuring a decorated vase, two green gourds, and a red dragon motif dish set against a green patterned background. View XX
Archive XXI A framed modernist still life oil painting featuring a decorated vase, two green gourds, and a red dragon motif dish set against a green patterned background. View XXI
Archive XXII A framed modernist still life oil painting featuring a decorated vase, two green gourds, and a red dragon motif dish set against a green patterned background. View XXII
Archive XXIII A framed modernist still life oil painting featuring a decorated vase, two green gourds, and a red dragon motif dish set against a green patterned background. View XXIII
Archive XXIV A framed modernist still life oil painting featuring a decorated vase, two green gourds, and a red dragon motif dish set against a green patterned background. View XXIV
Archive XXV A framed modernist still life oil painting featuring a decorated vase, two green gourds, and a red dragon motif dish set against a green patterned background. View XXV
Archive XXVI A framed modernist still life oil painting featuring a decorated vase, two green gourds, and a red dragon motif dish set against a green patterned background. View XXVI
Archive XXVII A framed modernist still life oil painting featuring a decorated vase, two green gourds, and a red dragon motif dish set against a green patterned background. View XXVII
Archive XXVIII A framed modernist still life oil painting featuring a decorated vase, two green gourds, and a red dragon motif dish set against a green patterned background. View XXVIII
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 01305 581426
Location
Greenwood House
Plaisters Lane
Sutton Poyntz
Dorset
DT3 6LQ
United Kingdom

Under appointment only.
Verified Since Aug 2020
Items For Sale 90
Items Sold 3
Big Sky Fine Art
Big Sky Fine Art
Verified Since Aug 2020
View Dealer Info
Location: Greenwood House, Plaisters Lane, Sutton Poyntz, Dorset, DT3 6LQ, United Kingdom, , Under appointment only.
Verified
Aug 2020
For Sale
90
Sold
3
A framed modernist still life oil painting featuring a decorated vase, two green gourds, and a red dragon motif dish set against a green patterned background.
Denis Mitchell 1912 - 1993. St Ives School 1944 Still Life Framed Oil Painting By Barbara Hepworth's Principal Assistant. Important Cornwall Cornish Artist.
Ref: SA1112797
A framed modernist still life oil painting featuring a decorated vase, two green gourds, and a red dragon motif dish set against a green patterned background.
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Archival Detail
Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.
Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

The St Ives School refers to an influential group of modern artists based in Cornwall, particularly active from the late 1930s onwards. Their work is characterised by modernist abstraction, geometric experimentation, and a close engagement with form, light, and landscape.

Artists of this era typically used oil paints applied to stretched canvas, wood panel, or hardboard. Frames were commonly crafted from softwoods or hardwoods, often hand-painted or finished with simple profiles to complement modernist aesthetics.

Authentic pieces are identified through artist signatures, dates, gallery labels, or inscriptions on the reverse of the canvas or frame. Physical evidence such as age-appropriate paint craquelure and period timber framing also support authenticity.

A modernist still life works well placed above a console table, sideboard, or fireplace mantel to serve as a focal point. Paired with mid-century furniture or contemporary neutral decor, the painting adds historical texture and visual depth to the room.

Keep the artwork away from direct sunlight, high humidity, and heat sources to avoid pigment fading or warping. Dust the frame and painted surface gently with a dry, soft-bristled brush, avoiding water or chemical cleaners.
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