Sir Kyffin Williams, R.A.

Leicester Galleries, London
Mason-Watts Fine Art, Leamington Spa, where acquired by the parents of the present owner, 20th May 1987 (as Snowdonia)

Original canvas, there are pin holes visible in all four corners and to the centre of the top and bottom edge. There is very minor surface dirt and dust, with areas of possible light varnish discolouration to areas of the white pigment, only visible upon close inspection. .0There are a couple of very slight possible traces of loss to the tips of the raised impasto, only visible upon extremely close inspection, with a very tiny spot of isolated craquelure to the centre of the left edge. There are very minor frame abrasions visible to the top and right edges, only visible upon extremely close inspection, but this excepting the work appears in very good overall condition. Ultraviolet light reveals areas of fluorescence and probable retouchings to the top right and left aforementioned pin holes. Housed in an ornate plaster frame. Please telephone 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."

During the 1950s Kyffin Williams occasionally visited his cousin, Susan Kyffin, in Austria.  Susan married Michael Baille-Grohman  in 1952, and moved to live in his ancient castle, Schloss Matzen near Innsbruck. The castle is situated high in the Austrian Alps in the picturesque north-western province of Tyrol and is surrounded by 2,500 acres of spectacular parkland.

Kyffin and Michael would make excursions into the alpine landscape where the artist made several paintings. Michael’s energetic character led him to persuade Kyffin to climb the highest mountain in the Tyrolean valley, Sonnwendjoch. Knowing of Kyffin’s recurring epileptic illness at the time, Michael offered to assist him with his easel and paints, and carried them to a hut high on the mountain. Here, Michael succumbed to deep sleep in the warm morning sunshine, leaving Kyffin to complete the ascent to the summit carrying his own equipment.

We are grateful to for Oriel Ynys Môn, the Isle of Anglesey’s Museum Service for their kind assistance with the cataloguing of the present work.