Alan Davie

Gimpel Fils, London
R. F. Shaw Kennedy, London, and thence by descent
Sale, Christie's Edinburgh, 23rd October 2008, lot 164, where acquired by the present owners

The canvas appears to be original. There is one slight undulation in the upper left corner, but otherwise the canvas appears sound. There are some very fine lines of craquelure to some of the pigments in the upper right quadrant, the red circle at the centre of the work, and some further small lines visible in the lower left and lower right quadrants in places. There are three tiny flecks of paint loss to the black pigment in the lower right quadrant, and in the ochre pigment in the upper right. There is some minor rubbing to the paint surface at the lower edge and lower right corner of the work. There is some very light surface dirt in places. Subject to the above the work appears to be in good overall condition. Inspection under ultra violet light reveals no obvious signs of restoration or fluorescence. The work is held in a simple wooden frame with a canvas slip. Please telephone the department on +(44) 0207 293 6424 if you have any further questions regarding the present lot.
"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."