Augustus John, O.M., R.A.

Mrs Louise Bishop née Salaman, and hence by descent to Monica Dorothy Milnes-Smith, née Bishop

The work is on wove paper which has been laid down onto card. There is a vertical and a horizontal crease running through the centre of the sheet. There are a few other small creases to the work but these appear to be where the sheet has been marked on the reverse. Printed writing on the dress bill also shows through along the right edge of the sheet. There is a small spot of foxing on the right edge in the lower right quadrant. Above this there is a small pencil mark which may have been made by the artist. There is a tiny spot of red pigment at the edge in the upper left quadrant. There is a light layer of surface dirt along the upper edge, perhaps due to handling before the sheet was laid down. Presented under glass in a white mount and held in a gold painted frame. Unexamined out of the frame.
"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."

Louise Salaman was a friend of of Augustus John at the Slade. John executed the present work on the back of a dress bill for his wife, Ida Nettleship.