John Varley O.W.S.

Anonymous sale, Christie's London, April 7, 1998, lot 50;
Acquired from the above sale by the present owner.

The sheet has been carefully preserved and presented. The work has not been laid down, but is attached to the current mount along the sheet edges. The surface is in generally good condition aside from a few very minor foxmarks and a small area of restoration in the sky, to the left of the mountain. Both these deflects can only be seen on close inspection. One close inspection there is evidence of a knife incision lower left, at the sheet edge. The pigments have remained strong and clear. Sold in a modern gilded frame.
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.

Varley first visited Wales in 1798 with the artist George Arnold.  He found Barmouth a picturesque town on the West Coast much to his liking.  William Wordsworth also found inspiration visiting Barmouth. The compositional elements Varley discovered there continued to appear during a lifetime of work.

See Christie’s London, July 8, 1997, lot 37 for a similar view Fisherfolk At Low Tide, Barmouth.