16th Sep, 2026 12:00
London | Ancient & Modern
5
† ROBERT RANDOLL (BRITISH 1894-1946)
SEARCH LIGHTS OVER LONDON BRIDGE, circa 1916
pastel and coloured chalk on paper
24 x 17cm (42.5 x 34cm framed)
Provenance:
Maas Gallery, London
Private Collection
Acquired from the above by the present owner
A commercial illustrator and sculptor, Randoll was best known for his views of London. His most notable works, held by the London Guildhall Art Gallery, are twelve meticulous, evocative depictions of The Barbican before the Blitz.
The present works are part of a striking series by Randoll depicting First World War searchlights over London landmarks. A key component of London’s anti-aircraft defence, searchlights inspired many depictions during both World Wars as symbols of hope and resistance. This imagery was an important antidote to the unprecedented, unpredictable air bombing campaign carried out in the War, predominantly by Zeppelins and later aeroplanes, which proved to be enormously damaging to the city’s morale. Randoll’s emphasis on the searchlights’ dramatic lines, in contrast with London’s historic landmarks, may reflect the influence of contemporary Vorticism, which rejected nineteenth-century sentimentality in favour of abstraction inspired by the 'machine age'.
SEARCH LIGHTS OVER LONDON BRIDGE, circa 1916
pastel and coloured chalk on paper
24 x 17cm (42.5 x 34cm framed)
Provenance:
Maas Gallery, London
Private Collection
Acquired from the above by the present owner
A commercial illustrator and sculptor, Randoll was best known for his views of London. His most notable works, held by the London Guildhall Art Gallery, are twelve meticulous, evocative depictions of The Barbican before the Blitz.
The present works are part of a striking series by Randoll depicting First World War searchlights over London landmarks. A key component of London’s anti-aircraft defence, searchlights inspired many depictions during both World Wars as symbols of hope and resistance. This imagery was an important antidote to the unprecedented, unpredictable air bombing campaign carried out in the War, predominantly by Zeppelins and later aeroplanes, which proved to be enormously damaging to the city’s morale. Randoll’s emphasis on the searchlights’ dramatic lines, in contrast with London’s historic landmarks, may reflect the influence of contemporary Vorticism, which rejected nineteenth-century sentimentality in favour of abstraction inspired by the 'machine age'.
Auction: London | Ancient & Modern, 16th Sep, 2026
London is a city which has had a greater impact on culture around the world than almost any other, and it has never been more important than now to shine a light on its remarkable citizens and history. From Magna Carta to the television London has, again and again, been the source from which progress has radiated. The present sale takes us from a medieval spur found under Cannon Street station, to a medal minted to commemorate the Millennium, from prints and paintings, to clocks and pistols. This sale is a sensational opportunity to acquire a small piece of this incomparable place. Olympia is a proudly London-based auction house and we are thrilled to be offering the inaugural instalment of this sale.
Viewing
PUBLIC EXHIBITION:
Sunday 13th September: 12pm to 4pm
Monday 14th September: 10am to 8.00pm (Drinks from 5pm)
Tuesday 15th September: 10am to 5pm
