Poole Museum has acquired a significant work by renowned English painter and printmaker John Piper (1903-1992) from Roseberys’ Modern British & 20th Century Art sale, held on Wednesday, 11 September 2024. The work was purchased using public donations to the museum and marks their first acquisition of Piper's work. It will go on display when the museum reopens next summer 2025, following a £10.3 million pound redevelopment project, supported with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

John Piper CH, British 1903-1992 -Customs House, Poole, 1951

John Piper was a leading figure in British art, known for his romantic portrayals of ruins and landscapes. A member of the avant-garde Seven and Five Society alongside artists such as Ben Nicholson, Henry Moore, and Ivon Hitchens, Piper also served as an Official War Artist during WWII. Throughout his career, he frequently returned to the landscapes and architecture of Dorset, with Poole and surrounding areas providing further inspiration for his atmospheric depictions of coastal scenery, ancient churches, and the rugged beauty of the English countryside. 

The newly acquired gouache and collage on paper work, created in 1951, depicts Poole’s Guildhall. It was originally titled “Customs House” by Piper due to the similarities between the two buildings’ entrances. Previously, it was part of the 1967 exhibition "In Our View," showcasing works collected by Hans and Elsbeth Juda, whose collection also featured artists such as William Scott and Christopher Wood. Hans Juda was the founder of 'The Ambassador', an export journal for textiles, and Elsbeth was a photographer, who took portraits of Henry Moore, Graham Sutherland and Piper, amongst other art world figures.

William Summerfield, Associate Director and Head of Modern British & 20th Century Art at Roseberys, commented: 

“Roseberys has had the privilege of selling several John Piper works over the years, and this piece from the early 1950s is a particularly strong example of his style. It’s a valuable piece of Poole’s heritage and will make a fantastic addition to the museum's collection.” 

Gary Edwards, Curator, Poole Museum said:

“We are thrilled to have acquired our first John Piper artwork for the museum, a significant addition to our collection. This purchase has been made possible through the generous donations from our supporters, and I’m excited to share this iconic piece with our visitors, in our new Ceramics and Fine Art Gallery once we reopen.

“Piper’s work holds a special place in British art, and we believe this acquisition will help to further enrich the cultural heritage of Poole.”