Peter Beard

a unique mural-sized object, signed, titled, annotated 'Box 47616 Nairobi,' and inscribed with a quotation from Francis Bacon in ink on the image, and collaged extensively with blood, 1972, printed later

This large print has not been examined out of its frame. Through the glass, it appears to be in excellent condition. The strip of 5 images of Francis Bacon in his studio measures 10 7/8 by 59 5/8 inches.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The quotation by Francis Bacon reads as follows:

'You don't know how the hopelessness in one's work will make you just take the paint and do almost anything to get out of the formula of making a kind of illustration--I mean I just wipe it all over with a rag or use a brush or rub it with something or anything as it were spontaneously and within its own structure, and not my structure--Afterwards your sense of what you want comes into play, so that you begin to work on the hasard that has been left to you and out of all that, possibly, a more organic image arises.'

Francis Bacon has been a subject in Beard's oeuvre since their first meeting in 1965 at the Clermont Club in London.  The occasion was the launch of Beard's book, The End of the Game.  Bacon made several portraits of the photographer, and they remained friends until Bacon's death in 1992.