Pierre Adolphe Valette (1876-1942)

Valette is known for his subtly-toned works of industrial Manchester painted between 1908-1913. During his time in Manchester, Valette taught at the Manchester Municipal School of Art and his influence is evident in the work of his pupils, which included L.S. Lowry (see lots 124 and 125).

'Manchester was his muse; and Valette's unique depiction of it represents the summit of his artistic career ... in these works we witness the chaos of trams and motorbuses jostling side by side with hansom cabs and other horse-drawn vehicles ...' (see Exhibition catalogue, Adolphe Valette, 1876-1942: Exhibition of Paintings, including Works by Pupils and Associates, Manchester, Manchester City Art Gallery, 1976, p. 47).