Henry Lamb, R.A.

Acquired by the family of the present owner

The sheet is attached to the backing card with one tab at each of the upper corners. The right and upper edges of the sheet are slightly uneven, thought to be in keeping with the Artist's materials. There is some time staining to the sheet, most apparent towards the edges of the sheet, underneath the present mount, and there are also three spots of staining to the sheet, one in the lower left corner and two near the centre of the left vertical edge, all of which are only visible when viewed unframed. There are several very small specks of foxing in places, and there is some minor surface dirt and studio detritus to the sheet in places. Subject to the above, the work appears to be in good overall condition, with fresh and bright passages of chalk throughout. The work is window mounted and presented in a simple wooden frame, held under glass. 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."

Lytton Strachey (1880-1932), biographer and writer, had his first sitting for a portrait by Henry Lamb in 1908 and rather fell in love with him. By the time the present work was drawn in 1912, Lamb had brought Strachey to meet the great bohemian artist of the period Augustus John who had inspired him to wear an earring and grow his hair and beard longer. Strachey wrote to his mother on 9th May 1911: ‘The chief news is that I have grown a beard! Its colour is very much admired, and it is generally considered extremely effective, though some ill-bred persons have been observed to laugh. It is a red-brown of the most approved tint, and makes me look like a French decadent poet - or something equally distinguished…’ (Lytton Strachey, quoted in Paul Levy (ed.), The Letters of Lytton Strachey, Viking, London, 2005).