Bill Brandt (1904-1983)

Silver print, bearing Brandt's ink stamp on the reverse and titled in his hand. Printed 1970s

Jay, B. & Warburton, N. 1999 pl. 82 (variant).

Copious retouching, mainly in the lines of the streams of water and in the edges of the umbrella, as alluded to above. The print is stress marked, and its condtion is only fair to good.
"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."

A splendid example of Brandt's surreal humour, and an example, too, of his experimenting with his later, high contrast style.
The print bears copious marks of Brandt's characteristic retouching, notably in a white pencil to emphasise the streams of water, and in a graphite pencil to re-draw the outline of the umbrella.