Sheila Fell, R.A.

The Artist, by whom gifted to the previous owner
Their sale, Christie's South Kensington, 2nd November 2000, lot 174, where acquired by the present owner

The board is sound but very slightly bowed. There are frame abrasions and areas of resultant loss along the outer edge, most noticeable in one or two places along the top edge, midway down the right edge and to the bottom right and left corners. There is further minor scuffing and resultant loss to both bottom corners. Old framing nails are visible at intervals throughout the extreme outer edge and running vertically through the board in line with a single stretcher bar verso (just left of centre), these appear to be inherent to the original work. These are over-painted, but visible in places, and under ultraviolet light. There are also some minor areas of loss in line with these old nail heads, most noticeably to the upper left corner. There is very minor craquelure to the thicker area of black pigment to the top centre of the composition and one or two minor flecks of loss to the bottom left and right hand quadrants, visible upon closer inspection. There is minor surface dirt to the work, but otherwise the work appears in good condition. Ultraviolet light reveals an uneven varnish, which makes the reading slightly difficult to interpret. There is fluorescence to the outer edge in line with the aforementioned framing nails and abrasion, as well as to the cross bar of stretcher that houses the vertical nails. Elsewhere minor isolated flecks of fluorescence are visible, suggestive of minor spots of retouching. Housed in a thick, gilt and distressed-effect painted frame. Please telephone the department on +44 (0) 207 293 6424 if you have any questions regarding 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."