# - Potter, Beatrix.

145 by 190mm., pen and grisaille drawing heightened with gouache, signed lower right "HBP.", mounted, some minor spotting

Some minor spotting is present. There is uneven cutting of edges, but this does not affect the image. There are some pin holes which do not affect the image.
"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 pencil and ink sketch of Squintina Tabby sitting in a chair knitting, together with a sketch of the head only, exists in the V&A Collection (V&A1028). See Leslie Linder, A History of the Writings of Beatrix Potter (London: Warne, 1971), plate facing p.179. Beatrix Potter's uncle Sir Henry and Aunt Lucy Roscoe owned a cat called Squintina or Squinty.

A different version of this drawing is in a private collection (signed "Beatrix Potter"). The proprietor has less of a squint and the sign above the door simply reads "TABITHA PUSSY - licensed to sell TEA".

Hobbs, in her essay 'Art into Books' (Beatrix Potter: Sources of her Inspiration [Beatrix Potter Studies XII] (Beatrix Potter Society, 2007)), suggests that the publishing firm of Nister adapted the design for the cover of their Comical Customers publication in about 1895.