William Barraud

Colonel Moss Robinson;
Lady Lawrence, C.B.E.;
By whom sold, London, Christie's, 14 December 1928, lot 95, to Ackermann for 1,155 guineas;
With Arthur Ackermann Ltd, London;
With Knoedler Gallery, New York;
Captain Eric V. Hale;
Walter Hutchinson (1887–1950);
His deceased sale ('The Hutchinson Collection of Important Sporting Pictures, sold by orders of the Messrs. Hutchinson & co.'), London, Christie's, 14 December 1951, lot 30;
Where acquired by a forebear of the current owner for 300 guineas;
Thence by descent.

London, Royal Academy, 1838, no. 461, (as 'A Scene in Ottershaw Park');
London, Hutchinson House, formerly Derby House, National Gallery of British Sports and Pastimes, 1949–50, no. 248.

Art Weekly, London, 1 December 1928, p. 16, reproduced.

The canvas has an old and sensitive relining and a varnish that appears even but discoloured. There are only a few scattered old damages that are visible to the naked eye, the retouchings along them have discoloured with age. There a some pinprick losses and small patches of lifting paint, not unusual for such a large canvas and whilst the picture would require some restoration attention it should respond well to cleaning. Inspection under ultra violet light confirms some restoration around small old damages in the sky, but very little restoration in the figures, hounds and horses who remain in very good condition with all of the details and colours well preserved. In very nice overall original condition.
"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 central figure on horseback is that of Sir Edmund Antrobus, 3rd Baronet (1818–99), who was Master of the Old Surrey fox hounds from 1836–47. To his right are the huntsman, Tom Hills, the huntsman who held this position with the Old Surrey for 42 years, Lady Antrobus and other prominent members of the Hunt, the young rider to the left of Sir Edmund is his younger brother Hugh. A view of Addington Palace is visible in the distance beyond the gathering field. This picture was part of the celebrated Hutchinson collection, formed in the early twentieth century by the publishing magnate Walter Hutchinson. His National Gallery of British Sports and Pastimes, which opened in 1948, housed an important collection of British Sporting art, including George Stubbs' famous portrait of Gimcrack on Newmarket Heath (sold London, Christie's, 5 July 2011, lot 12).