[Morris, William]

1) [Morris, W.] Ornamental design believed to be by Morris, 62 by 57mm., ink, pencil and gouache drawing in two pieces, laid down to paper with annotations in margin, some soiling; 2) Morris, W. Lock of hair, within envelope annotated "Hair of William Morris, died Oct 3rd 1896"; 3) Morris, W. Cheque, payable to Catterson-Smith, for fifteen pounds, dated 19 June 1894, folds--4) Ruskin, J. Cheque, payable to his doctor George Parsons, for seventy-five guineas, dated 6 February 1886, folds and tears to extremities--5-23) Morris, W. Set of nineteen printed decorated borders, each sheet with aperture, numbered by Catterson-Smith 1-17, 4a and 10a, occasional soiling, occasional tears and spotting, a few repairs--24) Morris & Co. Sample of apple design wallpaper, 515 by 575mm., folds--25) Morris, W. Architecture, Industry, and Wealth... Longmans, 1902, set of unbound printer's proofs of gatherings b-y (pp. 1-[164]), double-column, printed in red and black, annotated with names of compositors, within brown paper wrapper annotated "Given to me by S.C. Cockerell", many pages constructed from single columns, some soiling, lacking numerous corners

 

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"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."

Writing in his memoirs of Robert Catterson-Smith, Ronald Sly notes: "Aunt Isabel's 'treasures' included a lock of light brown hair with a few silver strands enclosed in white paper with 'Hair of William Morris'... written on it. Although Robert revered Morris, it seemed out of character for him to secrete a lock of hair for sentimental reasons. Then in a list of furniture and personal items at Kelmscott Manor... we found an entry headed 'Lock of William Morris's hair in a silver frame'. The repoussé frame with glass mount had been designed by Philip Webb and made by Robert. So he may well have acquired the hair in the first place for professional reasons."