Bray, Joel.

26 full-page watercolour and ink illustrations of houses, and 16 ink drawings of floor plans, 4to (260 x 205mm.), paper watermarked 1815 and 1824, contemporary red straight-grained half morocco over marbled boards, lettering-piece on upper cover with title, some leaves loose, light spotting and browning, sides a little rubbed

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."

Joel Bray (c.1787-1846) was an architect practising in London, and was president of the Surveyors' Club in 1835. Most of the fine watercolours in this volume show houses in their garden settings. Reference to this present work is made in Colvin's Biographical Dictionary of British Architects, third edition (1995), which notes that "a volume in private ownership entitled 'Bray's Designs for Cottages and Villas' includes a villa 'at Hayes, Middlesex, for John Gurney, Designed and Executed 1823', and another at New Hampton, Middlesex, 'Design'd and Executed 1825'".