- 58
John Steven Dews
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- John Steven Dews
- Velsheda Shows Her Paces
- signed l.l.: J. Steven Dews; titled on the reverse
- oil on canvas
- 101.5 by 152.5cm., 40 by 60in.
Literature
Louise A. Felstead, A Cloud of Sail: Maritime Paintings by J. Steven Dews, 2001, p.58
Condition
Original the canvas, the work appears in excellent original condition.
Ultraviolet light reveals an opaque varnish and no apparent signs of retouching.
Held in a gilt plaster frame; ready to hang.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Velsheda was a magnificent centre-board Bermudian cutter measuring 123½ feet in length with a 21½ foot beam. Designed by Charles Nicholson, she was built in 1933 for Mr W.L. Stephenson, Chairman of Woolworths, and was dubbed 'the steel-breasted beauty' on account of her distinctive metal hull. After a shaky start in her first outing at the Harwich Regatta where she broke her boom and failed to impress, she went on to enjoy a prestigious career during the golden seasons preceding the Second World War. She was deemed the equal of Endeavour and beat King George V's Britannia on occasion, winning her owner many trophies.
She survived the War, unlike many of her contemporaries which were destroyed when Camper & Nicholson's Gosport yard was destroyed. However she was not refitted for racing and languished on the Hamble river for a number of years. In 1983 she was rescued and restored on a limited budget but was later abandoned due to lack of fund. Finally, in 1995, she was acquired by Ronald de Vaal who commissioned Southampton Yacht Services to restore her completely to her former glory and returned to sea in September 1997 and today remains one of only three J-class boats still afloat.