Conrad Martens

Major Frederick Fanning; thence by descent to the godmother of the following owner's mother and thence by descent
Australian, International and Contemporary Paintings, Christies, Melbourne, 10 - 11 April 2006, lot 11
Private collection, Queensland, purchased from the above

Converting the Wilderness: The Art of Gardening in Colonial Australia, Australian Tour, October 1979 - June 1980, cats. 56, 57, 58 and 59

Converting the Wilderness: The Art of Gardening in Colonial Australia, The Australian Gallery Director's Council, Sydney, 1979, p. 69, pl. 56, 57, 58, 59

There is some general fading of these works consistent with their age. All appear not to be laid down but have not been inspected out of their frames. There appears no foxing or visible defects.
"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."

CANTERBURY HOUSE, THE SEAT OF MR ARTHUR JEFFRIES [sic]: GARDEN VISTA
Bears artist's name, title and date on labels on reverse
Watercolour and gouache on paper
18.5 by 27.5cm
Painted circa 1860

CANTERBURY HOUSE, THE DRIVE
Signed C. Martens (lower right); bears artist's name, title and date on labels on reverse
Watercolour and gouache on paper
19.5 by 28.5cm
Painted circa 1860

ST PAUL'S CANTERBURY
Signed C. Martens (lower right); bears artist's name, title and date on labels on reverse
Watercolour and gouache on paper
17 by 27cm
Painted circa1865

THE LODGE, A JEFFRIES [sic] ESQ. CANTERBURY HOUSE
Signed C. Martens (lower left); bears artist's name, title and date on labels on reverse
Watercolour and gouache on paper
17.5 by 27cm
Painted circa 1860

'The Canterbury estate, South Ashfield, was acquired by Robert Campbell of Wharf House in 1803 from William Cox.  Arthur Jeffreys married Sarah, a daughter of Robert and Sophia Campbell.  Canterbury House, formerly at George's River, Canterbury, was built circa 1850 by Edmund Blacket for Jeffrey, who died in 1861.  In 1862 he did more small drawings of the house for Major Frederick Fanning, a trustee of the Jeffreys estate who leased the house after Jeffreys' death.'¹

These are believed to be works that were commissioned by Major Frederick Fanning.

1. Elizabeth Ellis, Conrad Martens, Life and Art, State Library of NSW Press, Sydney, 1994, pp. 180-181