Alan Thornhill

Purchased directly from the artist by the Jerwood Foundation, September 2000

Ragley Hall, Warwickshire (2000 to present).

Generally the sculpture is in good overall condition. The patina is rubbed and worn in places. There is a spot of verdigris to the underside of one of the figure's arms on the back of the piece, and one or two other spots of verdigris across the surface. There are spots of staining and debris, which is consistent with the exhibition of the piece outdoors. Please telephone the department on +44 0207 293 6424 if you have any questions about the present work.
"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."

Bond is a powerful sculpture that highlights Thornhill's unique artistic process.  Conceived in 1983, the work was inspired by increased numbers of non-violent protests in the 1980s, but it importantly is not a representation of those events and is instead a reminder of shared humanity. Thornhill does not plan the subjects of his sculptures, but rather sees them as inventions streaming from the unconscious, and this is exhibited here through the organic fluidity of the four intertwined figures.  The coarse claylike texture of this bronze sculpture is a result of the artist's interest in the interplay between his materials, as he built the work up from pre-formed shapes of clay into its final figural state.  This impressive sculpture demonstrates the spontaneity and vivacity of Thornhill's process of turning abstract shapes and concepts into fully representational and deeply moving works of art.