Lot 136
  • 136

Helen Bradley

Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 GBP
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Description

  • Helen Bradley
  • Big Bertha High Street Lees
  • signed; also signed, dated 1974. and  inscribed on an artist's label attached to the reverse
  • oil on canvas board
  • 46 by 61cm.; 18 by 24in.

Provenance

W.H. Patterson, London, where acquired by the present owner in November 1977

Condition

The board is sound. There are a few scattered specks of surface dirt in the sky and the surface is slightly dirty but generally the work is in good original condition. Ultraviolet light reveals no apparent signs of retouching. Held in a painted wood frame with a basket weave inset. Please telephone the department on 020 7293 6424 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."

Catalogue Note

The label on the reverse reads:

We heard Big Bertha puffing up the hill from Lees Brook to the High St. Lees, also the noise of the Gypsys singing, and the village children calling, " The Wakes has come to Lees," Mother and the Aunts, also Miss Carter (who wore Pink) and Mr Taylor (The Bank Manager) took George and I to wait in the High St when they heard that Big Bertha and the Gypsys had left Oldham for Lees.

As soon as they passed and went into the Square we all went to Grandma's to tea, and after tea, we went home early to bed. Knowing that for nearly a week we should all have a jolly good time. Father always took us on the first night and George was lifted up into the cab of Big Bertha and the men would let him pull levers, I always wished that I could be lifted into Big Bertha's Cab and see her works, but, I was a girl and girls arnt (sic) supposed to like engines, and this was the year 1907.