HENRY SCOTT TUKE, R.A., R.W.S. | Blue and Gold (Two Boys and a Dog)

Posthumous sale of the contents of Tuke's studio, J.A. Cooling & Sons, London, 1929, where purchased by Cecil Roberts and gifted to John Betjeman, 29 Radnor Walk, London;
Mr Gerard Irvine, Montpelier Road, Brighton by whom gifted to the present owner in 2010

London, Royal Watercolour Society, 1912

B.D. Price (ed.), The Registers of Henry Scott Tuke (1858-1929), 1983, probably R698;
David Wainwright and Catherine Dinn, Henry Scott Tuke 1858-1929 - Under Canvas, 1989, illustrated p.110 plate 88

The paper is flat in the frame and there are no signs of cockling or warping. There are areas of foxing - particularly in the rocks above the figures (visible in the catalogue illustration). There is also a small black stain in the centre of the lower edge of the paper. Unexamined out of the frame. FRAME The picture is contained in a simple gilt 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."

The boys in Blue and Gold were Tuke's regular model Charlie Mitchell and another local Hughy Jewell. Blue and Gold belonged to Sir John Betjemen, Poet Laureate and staunch defender of Victorian architecture. It was given to him by the journalist Edric Cecil Monnington Roberts.