Kelmscott Press--Burne-Jones, Edward--Catterson-Smith, Robert

1) frontispiece illustration, ink and gouache, 229 by 163mm., the border with details of goblets, birds, etc. in pencil THOUGHT TO BE IN THE HAND OF BURNE-JONES, INITIALLED BY BURNE-JONES presumably to indicate the artwork has been passed for engraving; 2) frontispiece illustration, printing with decorative border on vellum, framed and glazed, note on frame backing by Catterson-Smith states "This is printed on vellum. It was given to me by William Morris in 1896", slightly cockled; 3) illustration on [p]1r (p. [209]), preliminary pencil drawing with black graphite additions, 229 by 163mm., laid down to card; 4) illustration on [p]1r (p. [209]), photograph of the original Burne-Jones design with added pencil, laid down to card; 5) illustration on [p]1r (p. [209]), ink and gouache, 229 by 164mm., laid down to card; 6) illustration on [p]1r (p. [209]), ink and gouache, 228 by 164mm., laid down to card, the mount with details of fabric pattern in pencil, INITIALLED BY BURNE-JONES presumably to indicate the artwork has been passed for engraving; 7) illustration on [p]1r (p. [209]), printing with decorative border on vellum, framed and glazed, note on frame backing by Catterson-Smith states "This is printed on vellum. Given to me by William Morris", slightly cockled, some spotting; some browning and spotting (7)

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."

The sequence of items 3) through to 6) reveal some considerable differences in the construction of the illustration. The preliminary pencil drawing includes a balustrade which is entirely abandoned in other versions. Item 5) appears to be the finished version of item 4). Both include a covering on the stairs and flames licking a pillar on the extreme right of the illustration. It appears that this version was abandoned. The published illustration includes a smaller figure in patterned clothing. The architecture of the scene has also been revised. Peterson notes in his bibliography that "On the evening of 26 January 1897 Cockerell persuaded Burne-Jones to supply two illustrations for a more modest edition [the original intention was for around 25 illustrations]... Catterson-Smith redrew the designs".