Follower of Samuel Scott

STRUCTURE The canvas has been lined. There is a section along the top stretcher bar approximately twenty six inches long where the canvas has seperated from the frame. There is one very small hole to the centre of the canvas, in the sky. PAINT SURFACE There are scattered areas of minor paint loss overall. There is a fine craquelure, and a thin uneven layer of dirt and discoloured varnish overall. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light reveals scattered flecks of dirt througout but no signs of recent restoration or retouching . FRAME Held in a carved and painted wooden frame with a gilded inner edge.
"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 view depicted is that of the north bank of the River Thames at Old Westminster Bridge with, from left to right, Manchester Court, Dorset Court and the side of Derby Court. These courts ran for some distance inland with the properties nearest the river bank generating the largest rents. In 1755 Strype's Survey of the Cities of London and Westminster described them as 'large and well-built, fit for Gentry to dwell in'.

Built between 1738 and 1750 by the engineer Charles Labelye, Westminster Bridge, dubbed the Bridge of Fools by R.J.B. Walker [i], connected the original Palace of Westminster with the South Bank. The lamps shown here on top of the arches were not erected until 1750, a detail which helps to date the composition.

[i] See The English Historical Review, vol. 97, no. 383 (Apr., 1982), pp. 430-431