# - Potter, Beatrix.

86 by 126mm., ink and watercolour drawing, unsigned, mounted, slight spotting and soiling to blank border

There is some slight spotting and soiling to the blank border. The lower edge of the sheet is unevenly cut, but this does not affect the image. Some pin holes are present, not affecting image. The image as published in the catalogue is slightly too yellow and unfocused.
"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 series of six watercolours is present in the V&A Collection (V&A1066-1071). Linder notes that "a booklet was planned which was to illustrate six of the eight lines of this rhyme ['Three little mice sat down to spin'], but nothing came of the project" (see Beatrix Potter - The V&A Collection, p.121).

This drawing is another version of the first illustration in the series. Hobbs points out in Beatrix Potter - Artist and Illustrator that "...the mice are using cottagers' looms; their spinning wheels were apparently drawn from incomplete examples. Bentwood chairs commemorate one from bedroom 'No. 4 where I always slept' at her grandparents' home, Camfield Place..."

In this example the loom is apparently unfinished. The V&A collection includes a number of preparatory sketches or outlines (see V&A1072 - 1078). One of the illustrations, the fourth in the series, was later adapted for use within The Tailor of Gloucester.