JOHN VARLEY, O.W.S. | The Old Church at Hackney, London

With Spink, London,
from where acquired by the father of the present owner

This work has remained in good condition. The colours are strong and paper stable. In the upper left and right corners there are a small number of skilfully repaired tears but these are hardly noticeable. The sheet is not laid down.
"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."

Varley, one of the most influential watercolour painters of the early nineteenth century, was born in a house adjoining Hackney churchyard. The present drawing shows the sixteenth century tower of the parish church of St. Augustine. The tower and funerary monument to the left of the church survived its demolition in 1798, following the building of a new church dedicated to St. John on the same site. Another version of this drawing, which is dated 1830 and includes a dog running in the foreground, is held at the British Museum, London.^{1 1.} British Museum, London, inv. no. 1958-7-12-448