Helen Bradley

Mercury Gallery, London where acquired by Peter Froggat, 26th May 1970
Sale, Christie's London, 4th June 1999, lot 265
MacConnal-Mason & Son, London, where acquired by the present owner in 1999

The board is sound. The work appears in excellent overall condition. Under ultraviolet light there appear to be a number of very small isolated cosmetic retouchings in places across the surface, Held in a gilt plaster frame with a canvas inset. Please telephone the department on 0207 293 6424 if you have any questions about 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."

The inscription by the artist on the reverse reads:

Oh Jane, how wise you were to choose Black cried Aunt Mary and Aunt Frances while Miss Carter (who wore Pink) was, for once speechless - Black was just becoming fashionable for evening wear, having always been reserved for funerals and mourning. Miss Taylor, who made all our best dresses really had excelled herself adding a tiny Bustle at the back, just like Queen Alexandra's latest style, but, said Mother, I feel terribly naked round my neck and it will mean I shall have to leave my chemise off and I'm sure to be cold." [sic] "Why, Jane", said Grandma wakening up, "you can have my Paisley Shawl & the year was 1908 [sic].