Thomas Malton

Sale, London, Sotheby's, 25 January 1968, lot 126, (as Pugin) to Walter Brandt

ENGRAVED:

by the artist, 1798

H. von Erffa and A. Staley, The Paintings of Benjamin West, Yale 1986, p. 31

This work has been well preserved and carefully presented. Some of the more delicate watercolour pigments may have faded a little, however, in general the work remains fresh and bold. The paper has discoloured very slightly and there is evidence of some minor scattered foxmarks and surface dirt. Around the extreme edges of the sheet there is the occasional small area of pigment loss. The sheet has not 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."

There has been a church at Walbrook, in the city of London, since the 7^th Century. The building seen in the present watercolour was designed by Sir Christopher Wren (1632-1723), between 1672 and 1680, after the Great Fire of London in 1666.

Malton shows elegantly dressed figures strolling in the nave. Some of these people appear to be admiring Benjamin West's altarpiece Devout Men Taking the Body of St. Stephen. That work was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1776, before being installed in the church later in the year.