William Fraser Garden

R. Hargreaves;
Christie's, London, 13 November 1992, lot 60;
Spink & Son, London, October 1993

The sheet appears to be laid down. Cockled slightly otherwise in good overall condition. In a simple giltwood frame with a cream mount under glass; unexamined out of 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."

Garden William Fraser – or Fraser Garden as he often signed himself to differentiate himself from his brothers and sisters, was the son of Dr Robert Winchester Fraser, an army surgeon. Of the doctor's nine children, at least six became watercolourists and William was probably the best known of the family. He specialised in picturesque views of the British countryside so beloved by the Victorians. His pictures are often highly-detailed but also atmospheric in tone.

The present watercolour depicts a landscape of trees at Stevington, a village five miles north west of Fraser Garden's home in Bedford.