Sir Oswald Walter Brierly, R.W.S.

Admiral Sir Charles Thomas Scott;
Thence by descent to his son Sir David Scott in 1911

SHEET The sheet has been laid down. There is a repaired tear to the sheet (approx 4 in.) to the lower right of the sea. A further repaired tear (approx 1 in.) to the upper right and lower right corners and an indentation (repaired with a clearly visible light blue pigment) to the sea, centre left. Considerable foxmarks are scattered throughout (these are visible in the illustration). MEDIUM Some light fading overall. FRAME Held in a simple wood frame. Under glass.
"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."

'Brierley was a well-known marine artist in the early part of the 19th Century. Here the brigs (handy little two-masted ships) have been ordered to race round the fleet of Battleships which come ploughing along majestically.' Sir David Scott

Sir Oswald Brierley was born in Chester and studied at the academy of Henry Sass, the history painter.  He then went to Plymouth where he studied naval architecture.  He travelled widely, and in 1841 sailed to Sydney.  A few years later he left Australia to sail with Captain Keppel aboard H.M.S. Meander, which sailed in the Pacific and around South America before returning to England.  In 1855 he again sailed with Keppel, and on his return Queen Victoria asked him to sketch the fleet from the Royal Yacht.  This patronage ensured that on the death of Schetky, Brierley succeeded as Marine Painter in Ordinary to Queen Victoria.  He was knighted in 1885.  He exhibited widely at the Royal Academy and also at the Old and New Watercolour Societies.