The earliest known painting by Syd Barrett, the late founding member of Pink Floyd, is set to go up for auction later this month. The artwork, a pastel and watercolor piece titled Dried Flowers, was created by Barrett in 1963 at his home in Cambridge while he was studying at Cambridgeshire College of Arts and Technology. It was at this college that Barrett met David Gilmour, who would later replace him in Pink Floyd.
In 1964, Barrett enrolled at Camberwell College of Arts in London to study painting. The following year, he reconnected with Roger Waters, a former classmate from Cambridgeshire High School for Boys. Waters’ mother had taught Barrett at Morley Memorial Junior School. The two moved into the now legendary flat at Stanhope Gardens in Highgate.
Barrett joined Waters’ band in 1965. The group, previously known by several names including Sigma 6, The Abdabs, The Screaming Abdabs, and Meggadeath, was called the Tea Set at the time. Later that year, they adopted the name Pink Floyd.
Even later in life, Barrett remained an avid artist, although he was known to destroy his paintings after completing them.
Dried Flowers is currently owned by Carlisle resident Brian Wernham, who purchased the painting at a 2006 Cheffins charity auction. The proceeds from the auction went to Syd’s sister, Rosemary Breen’s, charity in Cambridge following Barrett’s death in July 2006. Wernham has previously curated an exhibition of Barrett’s work at the Idea Generation Gallery.
The painting will be auctioned in July, offering a unique glimpse into the early artistic talent of the enigmatic musician.