Peter Beard

a unique object, signed, dated, and extensively annotated in white ink and with collaged color photograph of the photographer and 'A. G. of Nairobi,' framed, The Time Is Always Now gallery and information labels on the reverse, 1975-6, printed in 1996

This print has not been examined out of its frame and appears to be in generally excellent condition. The print has a glossy surface and is attached at intervals to a black backboard. The collaged color 'drugstore print' of Peter Beard and 'A. G. of Nairobi' is unevenly trimmed/torn at the left edge. There is tiny emulsion loss at the tips of the upper left and lower right corners. When examined in raking light, the following are visible: soft handling creases and a pencil-point-sized indentation. There are several annotations on the print, including 'giant Polaroid day at the C. N. P. Paris Jan. 20 1996 (with A. G. of Nairobi) Carnets Africains,' 'P. B. in Kamiti Prison Nov. '69 and inside a bellows camera,' 'Francis B.,' and the lengthy annotation by Francis Bacon ('Well, I often wish that I had a camera and just took the thing as it went along, because certainly, very often in working one loses the best moments of a painting in trying to take it further. And, if one had a record of what it was, one might be able to find it again. so it would almost be nice to have a running camera going all the time . . . Francis Bacon').
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The lengthy annotation, a quotation from Francis Bacon, reads,

'Well, I often wish that I had a camera and just took the thing as it went along, because certainly, very often in working one loses the best moments of a painting in trying to take it further.  And, if one had a record of what it was, one might be able to find it again.  So it would almost be nice to have a running camera going all the time . . . '