Lawrence Biddle

Sale, Sotheby's London, 3rd February 1982, lot 222, where purchased by the present owner

Not viewed out of the frame. Panel is stable.There is some minor reticulation on the petals of the crimson pansy, possibly with some minor paint loss. There are several light scratches to the work, most apparent in the upper left corner. There is some surface dirt, matter, and studio detritus throughout the composition. On extremely close inspection, there appears to be some craquelure to the upper left of the bowl of pansies, in the table top and to the extreme edges of the flowers and leaves. Subject to the above, the oil paint appears strong and stable, and the work appears to be in good condition. Ultraviolet light reveals no obvious signs of fluorescence or retouching. The work is framed in an ornate painted plaster and wood 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."