John Bratby, R.A.

Sale, Philip's London, 17th July 2001, lot 113
Peter Nahum, London, from whom acquired by the present owner

London, National Portrait Gallery, John Bratby Portraits, 8th March - 27th May 1991, cat. no.1.

The board appears sound. There are a number of Artist pinholes apparent to board, mostly around the edges, which are thought to be in keeping with the nature of the Artist's methods and materials. There are some associated flecks of loss to these pinholes. The surface of the board is uneven in places, thought to be in keeping with the Artist's materials. There are areas of loss to the white pigment in the upper right corner, which may be in keeping with the Artist's technique. There is some frame abrasion apparent to the lower edge. There is a small fleck of loss apparent in the lower left corner, with some small further flecks elsewhere, apparent upon close inspection. There are some scuffs and scratches to the board in places, including one to the lower edge of his right cuff and to the dark red pigment in the lower right quadrant, both of which have some associated loss. There is some surface dirt and studio detritus to the work in places. Ultraviolet light reveals a milky varnish and some scattered flecks of retouching to the aforementioned scuffs, scratches and losses. The work is housed in a painted wooden frame which allows both sides to be viewed. Please telephone the department on +44 (0) 207 293 6424 if you have any questions regarding the present work.
"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."

With a further composition of a still-life to the reverse of the work by the same hand.

We are grateful to Vivenne Roberts for her kind assistance with the cataloguing of the present work.