David Ponsonby

This watercolour has not been examined out of his frame. There is some light surface dirt in the sky at the right of the composition. The pigments appear to be bright and fresh and overall the work is in good condition. The work is presented in a small gilt frame with slip covered in the dark red slip. Please contact 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."

In 1968 Christopher Soames was appointed British Ambassador to Paris. The appointment was a great success and the French adored having one of Churchill’s relations at the Embassy. Christopher and Mary entertained in great style and the British Embassy became a focal point of Parisian social life. Nicholas Soames remembers that 'Mary proved the consummate hostess, turning the British residence on the rue du Faubourg St-Honoré into a warm, welcoming home. I recall her sitting room – the salon vert – had two lovely doves in a cage, and always wonderful flowers. And it even smelt of home somehow' (Nicholas Soames, The Telegraph, 24 October 2014).