VANESSA BELL | Fireplace Surround

Private Collection, U.K.

All 44 tiles are un-mounted and have been removed from the original fireplace, with resultant traces of grouting remaining. There is numbering on the reverse, which is not in the hand of the artist, and was probably there for the installation process. There are several minor chips, nicks and losses to several tiles at the extreme edges, with some further minor hairlines visible to some of the tiles. These impact the glazed surface only, and do not extend into the main body of the terracotta tile. There is further crackling to the glaze, in keeping with the nature of the materials, and traces of surface dirt. There are some further minor firing and glaze imperfections visible, in keeping with the nature of the artist's techniques and materials. Please telephone the department on +44 (0) 207 293 6424 if you have any questions regarding the present work, or would like any further images.
"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."

We are grateful to Richard Shone for his kind assistance with the cataloguing of the present work.