Ralph Hartley

Probably bought by Sir David Scott from the Kettering Art Exhibition c. 1958 (the watercolour of the garden at the Dower House was probably a direct commission from the artist)

All well preserved and in good overall condition. Each under glass and held in a variety of wooden frames.
"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."

'Towards Thorpe. Nobody, I venture to say, but an English-man and a countryman could have painted either of these pictures by Ralph Hartley.  They show such an understanding of the countryside, of the beauty of the ploughland and grassland and of the different shapes of the various kinds of trees; and, above all, of our ever changing skies.If you don't like them from close to, try looking at them from further off, and then, when you next go into the country, see if you don't find the fields and trees and skies much more interesting and exciting to look at as a result of having seen his pictures. I know I do.' Sir David Scott