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

This picture is in good condition. There are no signs of staining, tears or foxing. The sheet is cockling a little. 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."

Continually seeking equestrian models for his pictures Munnings was a regular at the East Anglian horse fairs, held on Saturday mornings. He was an avid observer of the colourful characters and enjoyed the lively banter of the dealers and their picturesque clothing. Working quickly in watercolour, he was able to capture the spontaneity of the interactions. He described a few of his favourite models in his autobiography: ‘And there they were for the asking. They loved posing, and still better, they loved seeing a sovereign or a pint of beer.’ (AJ Munnings, An Artist's Life, 1950, p.113) Among those he encountered at the horse-fairs was ‘Dan Betts...who wore small silver earrings, and shaved off his moustache for me to put him in a picture, and became so transfigured that his wife and children didn't know him. A kind man and father… Pod and Ned Aldous, types bred in every village since the Stone Age, and another of the same cut—Porky Emmerson—were always ready, if about, to do anything in the standing or sitting in line for a pint.’ (ibid Munnings, p.111-2)