TROG, 'EUROPE: HEATH AND POMPIDOU', INK AND BODYCOLOUR, 1971

368 by 267mm., pen ink and bodycolour, signed, mounted, framed and glazed

The Estate of William Hewison EXHIBITED:
'Images of Power: From the Jeffrey Archer Cartoon Collection', Monnow Valley Arts, 3 September - 30 October 2011

Punch, 19 May 1971, page 676

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"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."

Coming to power in 1970, the Conservative government of Edward Heath (1916-2005) was determined to take Britain into the European Economic Community. With Heath’s policies in keeping with the European ideal and a new French President in Georges Pompidou (1911-1974), entry seemed more possible at this time than it ever had before. However, British applications to the EEC had twice before been vetoed by the then French President Charles de Gaulle (1890-1970), first in 1963 and again in 1967. In February 1971, confidential talks in Paris between Pompidou’s closest advisor and the British Ambassador, Christopher Soames, raised the suggestion of a summit between Heath and Pompidou to settle the main questions of a potential British application. The failure of such a summit would damage both men; particularly Heath, who had already started recasting British policy on the assumption of joining the EEC. As a result, in the words of a French official, the two men would be ‘condemned to succeed’. The summit, held in May 1971, was a success and on 1 January 1973, Britain joined the EEC.