# - Ashton, Sir John William.

each framed and glazed, comprising:
1. A scene on the Nile with feluccas in the foreground and buildings in the distance, signed and dated, image 290 x 390mm., 1905 (see illustration)
2. Feluccas and other craft on the Nile, image 400 x 300mm.
3. Pulling a boat ashore, image 400 x 300mm.
4. A Nile scene, image 315 x 455mm., a few spots
5. A desert scene, image 205 x 330mm.
6. A scene with horses and camel, image 320 x 460mm., surface slightly damaged, signed and dated 1904

Katherine Harper, 'Ashton, Sir John William (Will) (1881-1963)', Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 7, Melbourne University Press, 1979, pp.112-113; The Life and Work of Artist Sir William Ashton (Sydney, 1961); Art in Australia, June 1929; B.P. Magazine, June 1937; R.H. Croll papers (State Library of Victoria).

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"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."

Sir John William Ashton R.A. (1881-1963), known as Will, was born in England, but migrated with his family to Australia. He returned to Europe to study art and in 1904 had work accepted by the Royal Academy of Arts, London, and the Salon de la Société des Artistes Français, Paris. He held successful exhibitions in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide, settling in Sydney in 1917. He made frequent trips abroad throughout his life including Europe and Egypt. He was director of the Art Gallery of New South Wales 1937-44; chairman of the Commonwealth Art Advisory Board 1953-62, a member of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters, London, a vice-president of the Australian Painter-Etchers' Society, and a member of the Society of Artists, Sydney, being awarded its medal in 1944. He was appointed O.B.E. in 1941 and knighted in 1960. (Australian Dictionary of Biography)