William Tate

Sanctuary Cove Golf Club, Brisbane;
with Lloyd's of Brisbane, 2010

STRUCTURE Both canvases have been firmly lined. PAINT SURFACE The first (with cravat): The painting appears to be in good condition overall. There is evidence of a patch in the centre right as can be seen in the catalogue illustration. There is also a slight abrasion measuring approx. 3 in. which continues onto the slip. The second (with necktie) appears to be in good condition overall however there is a pronounced uneven craquelure overall in keeping with the painting's age and evidence of retouching to a small v - shaped tear in the centre left measuring approx. 3 in. ULTRAVIOLET The first (with cravat): examination under ultraviolet light reveals the presence of a thick milky varnish overall. It also confirms the already noted areas of damage and abrasion and reveals an old, very faint abrasion running for approx 5 in. through the sitter's left eye and into his forehead along the diagonal. There is also evidence of several minor campaigns of retouching and strengthening to the sitter's costume. The second (with necktie): examination under ultraviolet light reveals the presence of a thick milky varnish and what appear to be two campaigns of retouching, firstly to the aforementioned tear and secondly to areas measuring approx. 1 in. just above both the sitter's left and right hand shoulders. FRAME Both held in elaborate gold painted wood frames. To speak to a specialist about this lot please contact Julian Gascoigne on +44 (0)207 293 5482, or at julian.gascoigne@sothebys.com, or Ludo Shaw Stewart on +44 (0)207 293 5816, or at ludovic.shawstewart@sothebys.com.
"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."