Charles Bestland

together with Louisa Seyffarth, née Sharpe O.W.S. (Birmingham 1798-1843 Dresden) Cat Burglar - Hunting the Intruder in the Larder; and John Hopkins (fl. 1791-1809), The Rent Day, After Sir David Wilkie

The first sale, London, Sotheby's, 12 February 1970, lot 125, to The Fine Art Society;
The Fine Art Society, London, by whom sold in 1970 to Walter Brandt;
the second with The Fine Art Society, London, by 1970, by whom sold in 1970 to Walter Brandt;
the third with The Fry Gallery, London, by 1970, by whom sold in 1970 to Walter Brandt

 

The first Cambridge, Fitzwilliam Museum, Exhibition of English Drawings and Watercolours from a Private Collection, 1971, no. 8

 

 

Charles Bestland: This work has been well preserved and carefully presented. The colours have remained strong and fresh and only the more delicate pigments have faded very slightly. In places the lead white heightening has oxidised, however the lead white has only been used by the artist in small areas of the composition. The sheet has not been laid down. Louisa Seyffarth, née Sharpe O.W.S., Cat Burglar - Hunting the Intruder in the Larder: This watercolour has been well preserved and carefully presented. The colours have remained strong and fresh. There is a small paper loss in the upper right hand corner of the sheet, and there are three minor scratches to the surface of the sheet in the upper left hand quadrant. In the lower right hand quadrant of the composition some of the gum arabic has flaked a little. This work has not been laid down. John Hopkins (fl. 1791-1809), The Rent Day, After Sir David Wilkie: Although many of the colours in this work have remained clear, some of the more delicate pigments have faded somewhat At the edges of the sheet, underneath the present mount, there are several repaired tears, paper losses and restorations. This work has been laid down.
"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."