Alfred Crowdy Lovett

Estimate

12,000 - 18,000 GBP

bidding is closed

Description

Alfred Crowdy Lovett
A collection of twelve watercolours of Indian subjects
Each initialled A.C.L., and with a 'The Parker Gallery, 2 Albemarle St., London W1' label on reverse
Watercolour on paper
30.5 by 21.6 cm. (12 by 8½ in.) and smaller

Condition

in good condition, very minor paper discolouration and undulations, minor surface dirt, framed
"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."

Catalogue Note

(12)

Private, 2nd Bombay Grenadiers (Prince of Wales' own) marching order; Quarter master, I.S.S. Dagmar; Belooch chief; Water carrier; Bombay Police; Scindi sweep; 3rd Belooch Regiment; Sikh Priest in Attitude of Prayer; Jamadar of peons (Col. Reynolds); Syce waiting with stick at the Polo; Scindi with malabar monkey; Syce

The records of the Gloucestershire Regiment museum show that Lovett was a Lieutenant in 2^nd. Battalion,The Gloucestershire Regiment (known as 61^st Regiment of Foot) on 25^th August, 1883 when they were in Karachi. The Regiment moved to Poona in 1883, to Ahmednagar in 1885, back to Poona and Bombay in 1888 and to Nasirabad in 1891. On 21^st October, 1891 he was promoted to the rank of Captain and probably went to Aden with the Regiment in 1893. In 1894 they were in Devonport, and the record shows that he became Adjutant of 3^rd battalion, The Gloucestershire Regiment, a Militia Battalion in UK from 1896 until 1901. He therefore missed the Boer War. After being Adjutant, he was an Instructor at RMC Sandhurst. Promoted Lt. Colonel on 25^th October, 1911 he was posted to 1^st battalion, The Gloucestershire Regiment (known as 28^th Regiment of Foot) as Commanding Officer and took them to France on the outbreak of War. He was mentioned in dispatches and awarded CB. Promoted Colonel on 25^th October, 1915, he commanded East Lancashire Reserve Division (Territorial Force) form 1916 until 1919. He died on 27^th May, 1919. It has been noted rather dryly on his record that "he was an artist, chiefly of military subjects"

While he was a major he did the illustrations for an important book called The Armies of India written by Major G.F. MacMunn originally published in London by A. and C. Black in 1911.

Comparable watercolours are found in the British Library, see

'Types of the Bombay Army'. Drawings of 12 officers and men from various regiments. Coloured print presented with The Graphic July 7, 1888; from drawings by Lieutenant A.C. Lovett, 2nd Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment.

Coloured print from drawings by Lieutenant A C Lovett, 2nd Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment. Presented with 'The Graphic', July 7, 1888.' Types of the Bombay Army:'

5th Bombay Cavalry (Late lst Sind Horse), Sowar (Trooper).

No. 1. Bombay Mountain Battery, Havildar (Sergt).

4th Bombay Cavalry (Poonah Horse), Ressalder.

4th Bombay Cavalry (Poonah Horse), Sowar (Trooper).

His excellency The Governor of Bombay's Body Guard, Daffadar (Sergt).

No. 1. Bombay Mountain Battery, Jemadar (Native Officer).

2nd Bombay Lancers, Trumpeter.

7th Bombay Infantry, Drummer.

1st Bombay Grenadiers, Havildar (Sergt).

7th Bombay Infantry, Drum - Major.

Bombay Sappers and Miners, Subadar - Major.

Duke of Connaught's Own Belooch Regiment, Naik (Corporal).