Beardsley, Aubrey.

sheet size 178 by 229mm., four sketches in ink on both sides of a single sheet folded to form four pages, depicting characters from the farce Ici on parle Français by T.J. Williams, all but one of the drawings captioned by the artist, collector's chemise and slipcase, folds, some soiling, splitting at folds, slipcase worn with some loss

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."

The play was performed at Brighton Grammar School on 23 February 1888 and these drawings were from the collection of Sir Charles Cochran who played the principal character in the play, Spriggins. These drawings appear to be unpublished although two other sketches for the same play were published within The Uncollected Works of Aubrey Beardsley (although not identified as such).

The drawing on the first page depicts Spriggins himself, wearing a monocle and reading a book. That on the second page shows Mrs Spriggins with her shorter and fatter husband. The third shows Spriggins and Major Regulus Rattan. The final drawing depicts Mr and Mrs Spriggins greeting Victor Dubois and Mrs Rattan who are seeking lodging.