Sir Alfred James Munnings, P.R.A., R.W.S.

J. Shaw-Tomkins;
Sotheby's, London, 10 March 1993, lot 29;
Mrs Lorian Peralta-Ramos

Norwich Castle Museum, Loan Collection of Pictures by A J Munnings, RA Exhibition, 1928, no.157

This picture is in excellent condition. There are no signs of staining, tears or foxing. The sheet is flat in the mount. Unexamined out of the farme. FRAME Contained in a moulded plaster frame and under glass.
"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 bucolic sunlit scene of agricultural life in a Suffolk meadow reflects Munnings' deep understanding of the traditions of farming life. It depicts the annual early summer harvest of meadow-hay which Munnings' would have seen each June and July during his formative years in Suffolk. His father, John Munnings, was a miller in Mendham and following the artist's completion of his studies in Norwich in 1898 he returned to Mendham to set up a studio and paint the local rural activity.

'During those years, Mendham village, its corners, by-lanes and meadows were my painting grounds.'
Munnings, An Artist's Life, 1950, p.166