Bernard Nevill Explained

Bernard Nevill FRSA FCSD (24 September 1930 – 30 January 2019)[1] [2] was a British designer and academic, formerly a professor at Saint Martin's School of Art and design director for Liberty of London.

Career

Nevill joined Liberty's in 1965, and "revitalised their traditional prints, introducing Art Deco-style patterns and Islamic themes".[3] He rose to design director, and was succeeded by Susan Collier.[3]

Personal life

Nevill lived at West House, a Grade II* listed house at 35 Glebe Place, Chelsea, London, which he bought in 1976 for about £67,000, until he sold it in 2011 for £20 million. It was built in 1868–1869 by the architect Philip Webb, on behalf of the artist George Price Boyce, who lived there from 1870 until his death in 1897.[4] [5]

Some of his paintings, furniture and furnishings, which appeared in the 1987 film Withnail and I and 1998 film B. Monkey were auctioned by Christie's in 2011, and were expected to realise about £200,000.[6] The sale total was actually £471,400.[7] More property belonging to Nevill, including items that appeared in Withnail and I such as Uncle Monty's sofa, was auctioned by Bellmans Auctioneers in February 2022, with the proceeds going to charity.[8]

Nevill died in London at the age of 88 on 30 January 2019 after a long period of illness.[9]

Notes and References

  1. News: Birthdays. The Guardian. 41. Guardian News & Media. 24 September 2014.
  2. Web site: Prof Bernard Nevill. Debrett's. Debrett's Ltd. 4 December 2013.
  3. News: Kaye . Rosemary . At the Dovecot Gallery: Liberty Art Fabrics & Fashion . 7 February 2019 . The Edinburgh Reporter . 3 August 2018.
  4. Web site: West House, Kensington and Chelsea. British Listed Buildings. BritishListedBuildings.co.uk. 4 December 2013.
  5. Web site: Family business head shells out £20 million for London house . Campden Wealth. 4 December 2013.
  6. Web site: RELEASE: Contents from the House of Withnail's Uncle Monty To Be Sold At Christie's South Kensington. Christie's. Christie's. 4 December 2013.
  7. Web site: London, South Kensington, 31 July 2011. Christie's. Christie's. 4 December 2013.
  8. Web site: Property from the Late Professor Bernard Nevill & Withnail and I. Bellmans. Bellmanss. 14 January 2022. 25 February 2022.
  9. Web site: Nevil - Deaths Announcements - Telegraph Announcements. announcements.telegraph.co.uk. 7 February 2019.