John Ruskin

Given by the artist to Francesca Alexander;
sale, London, Sotheby's, 30 November 2000, lot 345;
where acquired by the late owner

E.T. Cook and A. Wedderburn (eds.), The Works of John Ruskin (Library Edition), London 1903-12, vol. XXXVIII, p. 280, Catalogue of Drawings, no. 1479 (as Sandgate (1887) - various sketches. In a collection at Florence.)

The watercolour and bodycolour has survived very well in this work. The blue paper lost its colour where it has been exposed with sun light. The work is not laid down but is attached at various points verso.
"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 present watercolour dates from the summer of 1887. Ruskin was sixty-eight and in August of that year, partially recovering from illness, he decided to spend some time away from his beloved Brantwood in Cumbria. He journeyed south with Arthur Severn and then settled, alone, at Folkestone and later Sandgate, until the Spring of 1888. This watercolour previously belonged to Francesca Alexander, an American friend of Ruskins', who lived in Florence.