Richard Beavis, R.W.S.

Thomas Tandy, to whom given by the artist;
Christie's, London, 21 July 1977, lot 120;
Spink & Son, London, where bought by Sir David Scott, 22 May 1979, for £750

STRUCTURE Original canvas. PAINT SURFACE In good original condition. ULTRAVIOLET UV light reveals no visible retouching. FRAME Held in a gold composite frame
"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."

Richard Beavis, who was a prolific painter of landscapes, rustic, agricultural and military subjects, was born at Exmouth and spent his early life at Sidmouth. He trained at the School of Design at Somerset House from 1846. For a number of years he worked as a designer for Trollope, a manufacturer of interior furnishings, only painting in his leisure moments. However, in 1867-8 he settled in Boulogne, where he adapted his style of painting to take account of the innovations of J. F. Millet and the contemporary Barbizon school. In 1875 he travelled in the Middle East, visiting the Holy Land and Egypt, an experience that led to occasional oriental subjects in later years. Beavis worked in both oil and watercolour, and exhibited widely in London, notably at the Royal Academy and the Royal Water-Colour Society (of which body he was a member from 1892).

This atmospheric picture was painted in the summer of 1882 on the beautiful Greta river in North Yorkshire, a favourite of many artists, notably John Sell Cotman who produced many watercolours there.