Malvina Cheek demonstrates a strong sense of structure and form while also cultivating an atmosphere of mysticism in her work. Heavily influenced by the work of Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud, she explored a spirituality rooted in nature. The arboreal and botanical were central themes in her later still lifes. Alongside rural landscapes and maritime scenes, Cheek painted more intimate portraits of her close friends and family. Typically using a bold primary colour palette, she accentuates the mood and personality of her sitters.

Born in Hampton on Thames, Cheek studied painting at Wimbledon School of Art. She later graduated from the Royal College of Art in 1938, where she studied under printmaker and draftsman Robert Sargent Austin.

Lot 266: Malvina Cheek, British 1915-2016 - Pear Tree
Estimate: £500 - £700

In 1940, Cheek became an official war artist and joined the Pilgrim Trust’s Recording Britain scheme. Organised by British art historian Kenneth Clark, she was tasked with documenting important English landmarks under threat of destruction. These topographical studies were then exhibited in place of the National Gallery’s collection, which had been sent to Wales for safekeeping. Examples of her contributions are held in the collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

Lot 268: Malvina Cheek, British 1915-2016 - Self-Portrait (Wales)
Estimate: £300 - £500

Later in her career, Cheek taught at St Albans School of Art and was appointed as a senior lecturer at Twickenham College of Technology’s graphic design school. Her students included important painters Ronald Maddox, David Gentleman, John Raynes and Albany Wiseman. In 1957, Cheek joined Society of Industrial Artists, Illustrators Group. She also exhibited alongside the Allied International Artists, the Royal Society of British Artists, the Royal Watercolour Society and the New English Art Club. Cheek’s illustrations have been published in multiple books including Walter Allen’s The Black Country (1946), Nellie Kirkham’s Derbyshire (1947) and Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels (1956).

Lot 264: Malvina Cheek, British 1915-2016 - The Avenue
Estimate: £400 - £600

Throughout her career, Cheek’s work has been showcased at various in institutions including the National Gallery, Royal Academy, Imperial War Museum, Burgh House and Hampstead Museum, London. She exhibited up until her death in 2016 at the age of 100 and continues to be recognised for her significant contribution to the British war effort.