Gerard Dillon, R.H.A., R.U.A.

Mr Heino Heiden (1923-2013), by whom gifted to the present owner 

San Francisco, Maxwell Galleries, Gerard Dillon, 1954

The board appears to be sound. Some minor frame rubbing along left edge and the surface may benefit from a light clean otherwise the work appears in good overall condition. Under ultraviolet light there appear to be no signs of retouching. Held in a gilt plaster 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. 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."

'My numerous stays in Connemara have always been heaven...’ (Dillon, 'Connemara is Ireland to me’, quoted in James White, Gerard Dillon, An Illustrated Biography, 1994, p.72).

Roundstone became one of Dillon's favourite painting locations and during the 1940s and early 50s, he went as often as he could afford to, famously swapping works of art in return for the rent of his cottages. He was frequently accompanied by friends and in 1949, Alice West and Phil Rafferty stayed with him in Roundstone. Alice later remembered Dillon’s dedication to his work, insisting on painting every day. George and Madge Campbell were also regular companions and Dillon fondly recollected, ‘…happy carefree evenings spent in the company of artist friends, George Campbell and Oisin Kelly. As night fell we set out for a pub, Campbell bringing his guitar, and Kelly his fiddle, and there over a few ‘jars’ in a pleasant atmosphere we’d encourage the local people to sing and dance…’ (op. cit., p.72).

In Connemara, Dillon found a haven from the politicial turmoils dominating Ireland - a remote land of stonewall fields, mountains, lakes, coasts and islands where his imagination was free to run, expressed in such delightful works as the present. In the harbour of Roundstone, lined by the familliar white-washed cottages, two fishermen scrub clean their boat - honest work in an idyllic setting. In the direct, child-like approach and bold colour, the exuberance Dillon felt for Roundstone, and life in Connemara, is wonderfully evoked and in turn, irresistibly engaging.