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Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
Tel07494 763382Please quote Antiques Atlas.
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Non UK callers :
+44 7494 763382
Painting A Moment Of Nurture By William McCance
“Spring 1947” – A Modernist Meditation by William McCance (Scottish, 1894–1970)
Signed Lower Right | Oil on Canvas
Description:
An exceptional and contemplative post-war oil painting by William McCance, Spring 1947 is a rare and intimate work that bridges domestic realism with modernist symbolism. Painted shortly after the end of World War II, the scene depicts a mother cat nursing her kittens on a windowsill—a moment of quiet nurture, softly lit by spring daylight. A subtle yet stark inclusion—a small animal skull behind the cat—lends a symbolic undercurrent, contrasting life’s tenderness with a reminder of mortality.
This deeply philosophical composition captures the fragility and resilience of life in the post-war moment. Through modest subject matter, McCance offers a universal allegory of renewal and survival.
Executed in richly textured oil on canvas, the painting reveals McCance’s mastery of impasto and layered brushwork. There is a sculptural quality to the surface, with each stroke building emotional resonance and formal structure.
Composition & Technique:
The composition is precisely structured: the curve of the mother cat leads the eye across the canvas—from the rhythmic movement of feeding kittens, to the spectral skull, and toward the glimpse of landscape beyond the window. The interior is framed by deep green and brown curtains, contrasting with the brightness beyond and underscoring the duality of interior reflection and outward renewal.
The colour palette is earthy yet luminous:
Rich siennas and warm umbers define the cat’s forms
Moss greens and charcoal greys create tonal depth within the interior
Cool sky blues and pale whites beyond the window suggest seasonal transition
McCance’s brushwork reflects his modernist training—deliberate, expressive, and textural. The mother cat’s form is slightly abstracted, with a sculptural solidity, while the kittens are gestural and immediate. The skull, rendered with tonal precision, adds emotional contrast without dominating the composition.
This work blends the structural clarity of Cubism with the emotional depth of post-impressionist and symbolist traditions—marking a mature period in McCance’s artistic journey.
Signature:
Signed “W. McC” in the lower right, authenticating this as an original work by William McCance.
About the Artist:
William McCance (1894–1970) was a central figure in British modernism. Born in Cambuslang, Scotland, and trained at the Glasgow School of Art, McCance became known for his early experimentation with Vorticism and Cubism. A conscientious objector during the First World War, his moral and political convictions informed the thematic depth of his later work. In his later years, his style evolved toward introspection, with symbolic, often quietly powerful compositions. His works are held in major public collections, and his paintings have achieved notable auction results, exceeding $68,000 USD.
Presented in a later professional wood frame with hanging thread attached, ready for immediate display.
Provenance:
From the Estate of William McCance
Acquired from a notable Scottish auction (label verso)
Exhibited:
Reading Museum and Art Gallery, 11 June–2 July 1960, Catalogue No. 49
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Edinburgh, 11 October–25 November 1990
Lord Hill Museum, 4 July 2025
With Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
Selected for preservation, with minor scuffs and surface marks consistent with handling.
Why Collect This Work:
Museum-exhibited and historically significant
A rare emotional and symbolic piece from a leading Scottish modernist
Offers rich allegorical meaning—life, death, and renewal
Highly collectible and visually striking
Ideal for collectors of 20th-century British art, Scottish modernism, or symbolist allegory
Shipping:
Worldwide delivery available. Professionally packaged and fully insured for safe international transport.
Enquiries Welcome – Please contact us with any questions or to request further images or information We offer our clients 100% satisfaction guarantee with all of our fine art, antiques & collectibles!
We ship worldwide with expert bespoke professional wrapping & packing and offer attractive international shipping rates with insurance – please send us your post / zip code and country for a quote.
We Offer Free delivery to most areas of the U.K mainland except for Scottish Highland & Islands – Please send us your post code for a quote thankyou.
Registered Office Address
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom, WC2H 9JQ
Company Number 15666518
GB VAT registration number 466128775
Making Payment
Goods can be bought by either International bank wire transfer or domestic BACS payment we can email you an invoice together with our banking instructions. Cash upon collection is also accepted. Shipping is with insurance cover. Import duty and taxes payable by the buyer please enquire if you need any assistance. Delivery time is usually within 2 weeks for International and 1 week for domestic shipping approximate. It can be faster depending upon the size and weight of the item(s) that you ordering from us. You are also welcome to arrange for your own courier to collect as long as we have received full cleared bank transfer payment.
SellerCheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
View all stock from
Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
Private dealer, by appointment only.
71-75 Shelton Street,
Covent Garden,
London, England
WC2H 9JQ.
Tel : 07494 763382
Non UK callers : +44 7494 763382
Get directions to Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
Signed Lower Right | Oil on Canvas
Description:
An exceptional and contemplative post-war oil painting by William McCance, Spring 1947 is a rare and intimate work that bridges domestic realism with modernist symbolism. Painted shortly after the end of World War II, the scene depicts a mother cat nursing her kittens on a windowsill—a moment of quiet nurture, softly lit by spring daylight. A subtle yet stark inclusion—a small animal skull behind the cat—lends a symbolic undercurrent, contrasting life’s tenderness with a reminder of mortality.
This deeply philosophical composition captures the fragility and resilience of life in the post-war moment. Through modest subject matter, McCance offers a universal allegory of renewal and survival.
Executed in richly textured oil on canvas, the painting reveals McCance’s mastery of impasto and layered brushwork. There is a sculptural quality to the surface, with each stroke building emotional resonance and formal structure.
Composition & Technique:
The composition is precisely structured: the curve of the mother cat leads the eye across the canvas—from the rhythmic movement of feeding kittens, to the spectral skull, and toward the glimpse of landscape beyond the window. The interior is framed by deep green and brown curtains, contrasting with the brightness beyond and underscoring the duality of interior reflection and outward renewal.
The colour palette is earthy yet luminous:
Rich siennas and warm umbers define the cat’s forms
Moss greens and charcoal greys create tonal depth within the interior
Cool sky blues and pale whites beyond the window suggest seasonal transition
McCance’s brushwork reflects his modernist training—deliberate, expressive, and textural. The mother cat’s form is slightly abstracted, with a sculptural solidity, while the kittens are gestural and immediate. The skull, rendered with tonal precision, adds emotional contrast without dominating the composition.
This work blends the structural clarity of Cubism with the emotional depth of post-impressionist and symbolist traditions—marking a mature period in McCance’s artistic journey.
Signature:
Signed “W. McC” in the lower right, authenticating this as an original work by William McCance.
About the Artist:
William McCance (1894–1970) was a central figure in British modernism. Born in Cambuslang, Scotland, and trained at the Glasgow School of Art, McCance became known for his early experimentation with Vorticism and Cubism. A conscientious objector during the First World War, his moral and political convictions informed the thematic depth of his later work. In his later years, his style evolved toward introspection, with symbolic, often quietly powerful compositions. His works are held in major public collections, and his paintings have achieved notable auction results, exceeding $68,000 USD.
Presented in a later professional wood frame with hanging thread attached, ready for immediate display.
Provenance:
From the Estate of William McCance
Acquired from a notable Scottish auction (label verso)
Exhibited:
Reading Museum and Art Gallery, 11 June–2 July 1960, Catalogue No. 49
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, Edinburgh, 11 October–25 November 1990
Lord Hill Museum, 4 July 2025
With Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
Selected for preservation, with minor scuffs and surface marks consistent with handling.
Why Collect This Work:
Museum-exhibited and historically significant
A rare emotional and symbolic piece from a leading Scottish modernist
Offers rich allegorical meaning—life, death, and renewal
Highly collectible and visually striking
Ideal for collectors of 20th-century British art, Scottish modernism, or symbolist allegory
Shipping:
Worldwide delivery available. Professionally packaged and fully insured for safe international transport.
Enquiries Welcome – Please contact us with any questions or to request further images or information We offer our clients 100% satisfaction guarantee with all of our fine art, antiques & collectibles!
We ship worldwide with expert bespoke professional wrapping & packing and offer attractive international shipping rates with insurance – please send us your post / zip code and country for a quote.
We Offer Free delivery to most areas of the U.K mainland except for Scottish Highland & Islands – Please send us your post code for a quote thankyou.
Registered Office Address
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom, WC2H 9JQ
Company Number 15666518
GB VAT registration number 466128775
Making Payment
Goods can be bought by either International bank wire transfer or domestic BACS payment we can email you an invoice together with our banking instructions. Cash upon collection is also accepted. Shipping is with insurance cover. Import duty and taxes payable by the buyer please enquire if you need any assistance. Delivery time is usually within 2 weeks for International and 1 week for domestic shipping approximate. It can be faster depending upon the size and weight of the item(s) that you ordering from us. You are also welcome to arrange for your own courier to collect as long as we have received full cleared bank transfer payment.
Price
Click here to message the seller The price has been listed in British Pounds.
Conversion rates as of 11/DEC/2025. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer.
DimensionsFramed Dimensions:
60 cm wide x 50.5 cm high x 3.5 cm deep
Category Antique Pictures / Engravings / Art
> Antique Oil Paintings
Date 1947
1940s Antiques Material Oil Painting on Canvas
Origin Scottish
Artist William McCance
Condition Condition Report
In acceptable vintage condition for its age. The paint surface remains vibrant with no visible restoration. There is age-consistent wear to the edges, craquelure, minor foxing, and stretcher lines visible through the canvas. The frame, though later, is solid and professionall
Item code as1013a1230
Status For Sale
£38000.00 
$51053.00
€43426.40
$51053.00
€43426.40
Looking to Buy?
Arrange a final price and delivery details directly with the dealerClick here to message the seller
Conversion rates as of 11/DEC/2025. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer.
Shipping information
We offer Free Delivery to Mainland England, Wales mainland & Scottish lowlands mainland areas only!
For International buyers please contact us before you order as shipping costs are additional please request a shipping quote, also to advise that any import duty taxes due are additional and are payable by the buyer.
Scottish Highlands & all islands also for International buyers please get in touch for an international shipping quote thankyou. Our preferred Payment is by by BACS Bank Transfer, we can also accept stripe, amazon pay, google pay & paypal.
Confirmation of delivery is provided by email or text message, which includes a courier tracking number and date of posting or collection. Shipping costs are charged based upon the type of shipping service used, either express, standard or economy services and size and weight of item.
Delivery by parcel courier within the UK Mainland will be used for all smalls, paintings & all furniture items allow between 2 to 5 working days delivery time. Online tracking can be provided. International delivery airfreight is available estimated delivery times between 5 to 14 working days approximate upon request by providing your full name and address together with a postal area or zip code and a contact phone number.
Customs Payment & Brexit
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD operates on a Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) basis which means that the International buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes & customs clearance and any other charges which may be necessary to release an order from international customs.
Following the UK leaving the EU on 1st January 2021 (BREXIT) there have been some changes to customs & duty charges for EU customers. Tax and import duty varies from country to country so we recommend you check with your local tax office to see if any fees will be payable.
If the customer refuses to pay any duty and customs charges and the parcel is returned to sender all shipping charges will be deducted from any refund.
For International buyers please contact us before you order as shipping costs are additional please request a shipping quote, also to advise that any import duty taxes due are additional and are payable by the buyer.
Scottish Highlands & all islands also for International buyers please get in touch for an international shipping quote thankyou. Our preferred Payment is by by BACS Bank Transfer, we can also accept stripe, amazon pay, google pay & paypal.
Confirmation of delivery is provided by email or text message, which includes a courier tracking number and date of posting or collection. Shipping costs are charged based upon the type of shipping service used, either express, standard or economy services and size and weight of item.
Delivery by parcel courier within the UK Mainland will be used for all smalls, paintings & all furniture items allow between 2 to 5 working days delivery time. Online tracking can be provided. International delivery airfreight is available estimated delivery times between 5 to 14 working days approximate upon request by providing your full name and address together with a postal area or zip code and a contact phone number.
Customs Payment & Brexit
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD operates on a Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) basis which means that the International buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes & customs clearance and any other charges which may be necessary to release an order from international customs.
Following the UK leaving the EU on 1st January 2021 (BREXIT) there have been some changes to customs & duty charges for EU customers. Tax and import duty varies from country to country so we recommend you check with your local tax office to see if any fees will be payable.
If the customer refuses to pay any duty and customs charges and the parcel is returned to sender all shipping charges will be deducted from any refund.
Terms and conditions
For International buyers please contact us before you order as shipping costs are additional please request a shipping quote, also to advise that any import duty taxes due are additional and are payable by the buyer.
For both domestic & International buyers please get in touch for a shipping quote thankyou. Our payment method is by BACS Bank Transfer for UK domestic clients and for International clients payment is preferred by international bank wire transfer. We no longer accept any Online Card or in person card payments due to payment providers charging us and not returning the processing transaction fee even if an order is fraudulent, cancelled or returned. All Item(s) will need to be settled by bank transfer only. We will email you a proforma invoice with our bank details.
For International buyers Payment is required within 3 calendar days of the sale being agreed.
If payment is not received within this time. Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD reserves the right to consider selling the item (s) to another customer at its discretion.
Deposit payments are accepted, however shipping will not take place until the balance has been paid in full and to advise deposit payments are non refundable.
Upgrades & Exchanges are also offered please ask.
Returns are accepted within 14 days of receipt. The buyer is solely responsible for paying the entire costs of the outbound & return shipping costs also any import costs & duty taxes due. Return authorisation should be requested by sending an email before posting. Once we receive the item in good order as supplied not withstanding notified transit damage, we will return partial refund payment using the same payment method less our shipping costs. For any Refunds given the refund amount will have our cost of the outbound shipping costs deducted.
Customs Payment & Brexit
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD operates on a Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) basis which means that the International buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes & customs which may be necessary to release an order from international customs.
Following the UK leaving the EU on 1st January 2021 (BREXIT) there have been some changes to customs & duty charges for EU customers. Tax and import duty varies from country to country so we recommend you check with your local tax office to see if any fees will be payable.
If the customer refuses to pay any duty and customs charges and the parcel is returned to sender all shipping charges will be deducted from any refund.
For both domestic & International buyers please get in touch for a shipping quote thankyou. Our payment method is by BACS Bank Transfer for UK domestic clients and for International clients payment is preferred by international bank wire transfer. We no longer accept any Online Card or in person card payments due to payment providers charging us and not returning the processing transaction fee even if an order is fraudulent, cancelled or returned. All Item(s) will need to be settled by bank transfer only. We will email you a proforma invoice with our bank details.
For International buyers Payment is required within 3 calendar days of the sale being agreed.
If payment is not received within this time. Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD reserves the right to consider selling the item (s) to another customer at its discretion.
Deposit payments are accepted, however shipping will not take place until the balance has been paid in full and to advise deposit payments are non refundable.
Upgrades & Exchanges are also offered please ask.
Returns are accepted within 14 days of receipt. The buyer is solely responsible for paying the entire costs of the outbound & return shipping costs also any import costs & duty taxes due. Return authorisation should be requested by sending an email before posting. Once we receive the item in good order as supplied not withstanding notified transit damage, we will return partial refund payment using the same payment method less our shipping costs. For any Refunds given the refund amount will have our cost of the outbound shipping costs deducted.
Customs Payment & Brexit
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD operates on a Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) basis which means that the International buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes & customs which may be necessary to release an order from international customs.
Following the UK leaving the EU on 1st January 2021 (BREXIT) there have been some changes to customs & duty charges for EU customers. Tax and import duty varies from country to country so we recommend you check with your local tax office to see if any fees will be payable.
If the customer refuses to pay any duty and customs charges and the parcel is returned to sender all shipping charges will be deducted from any refund.
View all stock from
Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
Private dealer, by appointment only.71-75 Shelton Street,
Covent Garden,
London, England
WC2H 9JQ.
Tel : 07494 763382
Non UK callers : +44 7494 763382
Get directions to Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
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