Hong Kong--Taylor, Fred

Large oil on canvas (850 by 2590mm.), framed

Austin Reed Group, London; sale, Sotheby's London, 28 October 2008, lot 183

Original canvas, undulating with faint vertical stretcher bar marks. There is a small area of restoration in the sky right of the large ship on the left hand side; also two repaired tears in the right half of the picture, one in the hills the other to the upper edge of the sail in the foreground, both slightly discoloured and corresponding patches on the reverse. Held in a gilt plaster frame with a canvas inset.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

COMMISSIONED BY AUSTIN REED OF LONDON FOR THEIR FLAGSHIP REGENT STREET STORE IN 1930.

Fred Taylor (1875-1963), a regular exhibitor at the Royal Academy, was commissioned to produce poster art by railway companies and the great shipping lines in the golden age of travel, from 1908 to 1940s. In 1930 British fashion retailer Austin Reed commissioned Taylor to paint a series of scenes, including this view of Hong Kong, to furnish the Red Lacquer Room of their Tropical department in their Regent Street store.

"One of the most romantic harbours in our Eastern possessions. Our artist has taken a view looking towards the harbour and has introduced on the left a superb example of a Chinese trading junk, balanced on the right by a group of lesser craft. Unobtrusive, but significant, on the extreme left of the picture is a watchful British cruiser" (The Red Lacquer Room, Austin Reed Group, London, p.6).