Augustus John, O.M., R.A.

the first: Louise Bishop (née Salaman), and thence by descent to Monica Dorothy Milnes-Smith, née Bishop 
the second: Grace Reardon and thence given to Monica Dorothy Milnes-Smith, née Bishop

Sleeping Girl: The sheet has been laid down in the upper and lower left corners to a piece of card but the bottom right corner remains free. There is a vertical crease to the right of the centre of the work, two diagonal creases in the upper left quadrant, another diagonal crease in the upper right quadrant and three smaller creases along the lower edge. There is a tear, approximately 3 inches long, where a triangle of paper is now missing in the upper centre. There are a number of stains to the work, in particular to the upper corners of the sheet and to an area in the lower left quadrant. All of the stains are visible in the catalogue illustration. There is a layer of surface dirt on the sheet and a rectangular line of staining, possibly caused by a previous mount. The drawing itself remains relatively free from staining or dirt. Presented under glass in a light brown and gilt mount and held in a simple gilt frame. Portrait of Louise Salaman: The portrait has been sketched onto an envelope which undulates slightly. There are some spots of foxing visible on the lower half of the envelope and some darker spots which could be mould along the top edge and in the sitter's hairline. There is another stain over the sitter's right ear. There are lines of staining along every edge which show how the work was previously mounted. Presented within a cream mount and held under glass in a wooden frame which has sustained some minor abrasions.
"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."

Grace Reardon and Louise Salaman were both contemporaries of Augustus John at the Slade. Sleeping Girl was executed circa 1907.