Lot 27
  • 27

Lisa Milroy, R.A.

Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
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Description

  • Lisa Milroy, R.A.
  • Lights 1987
  • signed with initials and dated '87 on the overlap
  • oil on canvas
  • 203 by 285cm.; 80 by 112in.

Provenance

Nicola Jacobs Gallery, London, where acquired by Mr Michael Green
Sale, Bonhams London, 20th June 2005, lot 79, where acquired by the present owner

Condition

Original canvas. There are faint horizontal stretcher marks in the centre of the canvas and some light surface marks and abrasions along the edges. There are some occasional tiny marks of staining across the canvas and one or two very faint lines of craquelure. Otherwise the surface is in good overall condition. UV light reveals no apparent signs of retouching. This work is unframed. 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."

Catalogue Note

The present work belongs to an important series of works executed in the mid to late 1980s focussing on groups of household objects such as Shoes (1985, Tate Collection, London), Dresses (1985, Private Collection) and in the present work, Lights, all set against a stark white background which emphasizes the colourful properties of each item, enhancing the similarities and differences between seemingly identical everyday objects. Her composition focussing on antique Handles (1988) won the prestigious John Moores Painting Prize in 1989 and speaking about that work, Milroy explained, 'its composition depends on notions of display, cataloguing and placing'; an explanation that also applies to the compositional arrangement of the present work which is also strongly related to Light Bulbs (1988, Tate Collection, London). As well as ordinary objects, Milroy's compositions have also been inspired by her travels to countries such as Japan, Greece, the United States and Italy, and in particular by the archaeological objects experienced in museums she has visited; indeed, her composition featuring Roman Coins was subsequently exhibited at the British Pavilion at the 1986 Venice Biennale (see also lots 107, 165 and 221 in The Robert Devereux Collection, Sale 2).