Oliver Hilary Sambourne Messell

The sheet has been fully laid down on to the board, and subsequently adhered to the window mount. There are artist's pinholes in the upper two corners, not visible in the present mount. The sheet is slightly time stained. There are a number of tiny accretions and instances of studio matter and detritus. Subject to the above the work is in overall very good condition. The work is window mounted and held behind glass in a wooden frame ornamented with mirrors. 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."

Oliver Messel was one of the leading British stage designers of his day, winning international acclaim and becoming a highly-sought after scenery and costume designer for both stage and screen. Messel designed the costumes, props and interior decoration for the 1946 film Caesar and Cleopatra, produced by Gabriel Pascal, in which Vivien starred as Cleopatra. Filming began on 12th June 1944, only six days after the D-Day landings and under difficult conditions; Messel and his team had to cope with shortages of materials required for the costumes and set, as well as a bomb landing just 150 yards from the set shortly after filming began. Despite these obstacles, Messel succeeded in producing lavish and inventive designs and over 2,000 costumes for the film. The present work, a design for the film, was gifted by the Artist to Vivien for Christmas in 1944.