William Roberts, R.A.

The Leicester Galleries, London, where acquired by Ernest Cooper Esq in November 1949
Sale, Christie's London, 3rd November 1967, lot 119
Sale, Sotheby's London, 16th June 1976, lot 94, where acquired by the present owner

London, The Leicester Galleries, Exhibition of Works by William Roberts, November 1949, cat. no.3.

The sheet is sound and not laid down. The very outer edges of the sheet are slightly discoloured and there is a tiny speck of foxing above the jockey on the far left. Otherwise the work is in generally excellent original condition with strong bright colours throughout. Held under glass in a painted wood frame. Please telephone the department on +44 207 293 6424 if you have any questions regarding the present lot.
"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 present work appears to be an alternative composition for Cantering to the Post (1949, Tate). According to Roberts Cantering to the Post was painted in early 1949 and was sent to the Royal Academy that year. Although it was accepted by the Hanging Committee it was not hung: 'perhaps because only the Munnings' breed of racehorse is allowed to show its paces there' (The Artist, quoted in William Roberts ARA Retrospective Exhibition, Tate, London, 1965, p.19). Sir Alfred Munnings was a celebrated painter of horses and was president of the RA at the time. Roberts's carried out a number of memorable paintings of horses including 'Feeds Round!' Stable-time in the Wagon-lines, France (1924, Imperial War Museum), and Jockeys (aka The Paddock, 1928, Bradford Art Gallery).

We are grateful for David Cleall for his kind assistance in cataloguing the present work.