Rhoda Vava Mary Lecky Pike, Lady Birley

Given by Lady Birley to Sir David and Lady Scott as a wedding present in 1970

STRUCTURE Original canvas in good overall condition. PAINT SURFACE There are a few tiny abrasions to the paint surface in the upper and lower right quadrants. There are also spots of surface matter in these same areas. There are areas of dirt which may benefit from a light clean. ULTRAVIOLET UV light reveals no sign of retouching. FRAME Held in a simple rectilinear frame which has sustained some 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."

Rhoda Birley was the wife of the fashionable and distinguished portrait painter Sir Oswald Birley who painted many prominent men and women in the inter-war period. Oswald and Rhoda Birley lived at Charleston Manor in Sussex and in Wellington Road, St John's Wood. Rhoda Birley was a talented gardener, and had known both Gertrude Jekyll and Vita Sackville West (each of whom advised her on the creation of her own garden at Charleston). She was also a close friend of the Scotts. Valerie Scott photographed Rhoda Birley in the garden at Charleston (Fig 1. for more information see Ursula Buchan, Garden People, Valerie Finnis & the Golden Age of Gardening, 2007 p.83).