Edward Middleditch

Corporate Collection, UK

The panel appears to be in good original condition. The paint surface is intentionally uneven and appears to be in good overall condition. There are horizontal lines in the paint surface along the upper and lower edges which may be marks from when the paint was still wet. Please telephone the department on 020 7293 5381 if you have any questions regarding the present work.
"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."

The present painting may date from 1953 and form part of the group of paintings and drawings related to the important Sheffield Weir I and Sheffield Weir II (Manchester City Art Gallery and Tate Collection respectively). Middleditch's connection to the city must have come through his friends Jack Smith and Derrick Greaves, both Sheffield men, and sees the introduction of a theme of turbulent water that has been connected by commentators as reflecting an interest in death. This may be supported by the fact that one of the drawings in this group, Ladybridge Weir (Private Collection), shows the viewpoint from the first bridge in the city to survive the Great Sheffield Flood of 1864, a well-known local historical event which swept down the Rivers Loxley and Don and cost at least 270 lives.