- 69
John Steven Dews
Estimate
50,000 - 80,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- John Steven Dews
- Breezy Start - The Final two days of the 1935 season at Dartmouth
- signed l.l.: J. Steven Dews
- oil on canvas
- 102 by 153cm., 40 by 60in.
Provenance
Purchased directly from the Artist
Literature
Louise A. Felstead, A Cloud of Sail, Maritime Paintings by J. Steven Dews, 2001, pp.62-65 (illustrated)
Condition
STRUCTURE
Original canvas in sound condition
PAINT SURFACE
The paint surface is in good, clean condition; ready to hang
ULTRAVIOLET
UV light reveals no sign of retouching.
FRAME
Held in a modern, composite frame in good condition.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
The present work is one of a pair which depict the same race but from different perspectives.
The majority of the West Country Regatta of 1935 had been sailed under light winds but the final two days off Dartmouth produced 'heavy weather', ideal conditions to test 'The Big Class'. In the end the elements proved victorious; the first day 's racing saw Yankee (J/US2) keen to take advantage of the strong south-westerly and her reluctant competitors soon joined her at the start. Just as the double reefed yachts were waiting for the gun, the committee boat called the race off declaring conditions to be too dangerous.
The following day saw enough improvement in the weather for racing to go ahead, although the conditions were still judged too extreme for Astra (K2) and Candida (K8) who stayed in port. This left the four yachts depicted in the present work; Yankee leading Velsheda (J/K7) followed by Endeavour (J/K4) and Shamrock (JK/3). Having gybed around the first mark Yankee, leading narrowly, was hit by squall of such ferocity that it shattered her mast and sent two of her crew overboard. The crewmen were quickly recovered but the race was abandoned and Yankee did not race again that season.
The majority of the West Country Regatta of 1935 had been sailed under light winds but the final two days off Dartmouth produced 'heavy weather', ideal conditions to test 'The Big Class'. In the end the elements proved victorious; the first day 's racing saw Yankee (J/US2) keen to take advantage of the strong south-westerly and her reluctant competitors soon joined her at the start. Just as the double reefed yachts were waiting for the gun, the committee boat called the race off declaring conditions to be too dangerous.
The following day saw enough improvement in the weather for racing to go ahead, although the conditions were still judged too extreme for Astra (K2) and Candida (K8) who stayed in port. This left the four yachts depicted in the present work; Yankee leading Velsheda (J/K7) followed by Endeavour (J/K4) and Shamrock (JK/3). Having gybed around the first mark Yankee, leading narrowly, was hit by squall of such ferocity that it shattered her mast and sent two of her crew overboard. The crewmen were quickly recovered but the race was abandoned and Yankee did not race again that season.