John Atkinson Grimshaw

The card appears to be sound. Some faint discolouring in the upper right corner of the sky otherwise the work appears in good overall condition. Under ultraviolet light there appear to be no signs of retouching. Held under glass in a gilt plaster frame with a gilt mount; unexamined out of frame.
"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."

This unusual diurnal scene is one of the earliest known views by Grimshaw of one of his favourite subjects, Waterloo Lake in Roundhay Park on the outskirts of Leeds. The first three paintings of the park were commissioned by a committee of the House of Lords in connection with the Leeds Corporation Improvement Bill. The Corporation of Leeds intended to purchase Roundhay Estate following the death of Nicholson in 1871. Nicholson had no heir and the Corporation wished to buy the estate and make it a public park. The purchase was successful and the park was opened to the public on 19 September 1872 by Prince Arthur. However, the Mayor of Leeds John Barron was severely criticised for investing in what was generally regarded to be a 'white elephant' as the park was far out of Leeds and not easily accessible. Grimshaw loved the natural beauty of Roundhay but also recognised the ancient serenity of its woods, which in the thirteenth century had been the hunting grounds of the DeLacy family of Pontefract Castle. Roundhay remains a public park and is now well regarded by the Leeds residents and the wildlife that is now protected within its boundaries.