Early Mister Finch Textile Toadstool Sculpture – 2012 – From the Collection of Sarah Parvin

Description

An exceptionally early original textile sculpture by Mister Finch, dating from 2012 and illustrated on the artist’s contemporary blog during the formative years of his career.

This charming and highly distinctive work comes from the archive of the late Sarah Parvin, a friend and supporter of Mister Finch during the early stages of his artistic development. Provenance of this nature is rarely encountered and provides a direct connection to the period before the artist achieved widespread recognition through exhibitions, commissions and international acclaim.

The sculpture depicts a whimsical grouping of textile toadstools emerging from a polished metal base. Constructed entirely by hand from vintage and reclaimed fabrics, the work displays many of the characteristics that would come to define Mister Finch’s artistic practice: imaginative reinterpretation of the natural world, meticulous textile construction, and the transformation of humble materials into dreamlike sculptural forms.

The larger and smaller mushroom caps are fashioned from deep blue velvet-like textiles, contrasting beautifully with the gathered cream fabric gills and frayed organic details surrounding the stems. The asymmetrical arrangement creates a sense of movement and narrative, evoking the folklore, woodland mythology and Victorian curiosity that have become central themes throughout the artist’s oeuvre.

Particularly important is the fact that the sculpture is documented and illustrated on Mister Finch’s own blog in 2012, providing valuable contemporary evidence for both date and authenticity. Works from this period pre-date the artist’s later commercial success and are encountered far less frequently than more recent examples.

Mister Finch has become one of Britain’s most recognisable contemporary textile artists, celebrated for his extraordinary handcrafted creatures, fungi, insects and botanical forms. Early works dating from the years immediately preceding his wider recognition represent an important phase in the development of his artistic identity and are increasingly sought after by collectors interested in the evolution of his work.

Combining documented 2012 provenance, direct association with Sarah Parvin, and a classic woodland subject that perfectly encapsulates the artist’s enduring themes, this is a particularly desirable example from the earliest period of Mister Finch’s career.

Condition

Fine original condition. The sculpture remains structurally sound with no significant damage noted. Minor irregularities and fraying are inherent to the artist’s construction methods and form part of the intended aesthetic. An exceptionally well-preserved example.

Artist: Mister Finch
Date: 2012
Provenance: From the archive of Sarah Parvin, a friend and supporter of the artist during the early stages of his career
Size: Approximately 26 cm x 11.5 cm x 10 cm
Materials: Vintage textiles, stitched fabric, metal base
Construction: Hand-sewn textile sculpture

Why Buy From Us?

At Hornseys, we have been buying, researching and selling unusual and collectible works of art since 1976. Every item is personally handled, inspected and authenticated in-house at our gallery in Ripon, North Yorkshire.

When acquiring contemporary textile art by artists such as Mister Finch, provenance and authenticity are paramount. Early works from the artist’s formative years are increasingly scarce, and careful research is essential when establishing date, originality and significance.

Here’s what sets us apart:

Authenticity and Provenance: Every item is thoroughly researched and examined before being offered for sale. Where relevant, we investigate provenance, exhibition history, period documentation and supporting evidence to ensure confidence in authenticity.

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Careful Selection: We purchase only items that meet our standards for originality, condition, provenance and collector appeal. Every work is chosen individually rather than as part of a volume-led inventory.

Established Reputation: Hornseys has been serving collectors, institutions and enthusiasts since 1976. We are members of the book and antiques trade and have built our reputation through knowledge, integrity and accurate description.

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