Frank Brangwyn (1867-1956)

Silver print, scored on the surface for reproduction and inscribed upon the reverse in red pastel.

Sotheby's London 7 May 1998, Lot 249.

Horner, L. et al 2001.
Willsdon, C. 2001.

A working print bearing the marks of an incised grid pattern applied from the reverse. This grid has broken the surface emulsion in numerous places, and has resulted in wear such that the print is divided along one gridline for some distance from the lower edge. Corners and edges bumped, and the print surface marked. The reverse bears a sketch of a garment in red crayon and the inscription 'Put on navy shirt outside'. Overall condition is considerably worn.
"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."

Sir Frank Brangwyn's versatility as an artist is well known. He was a painter in oil or watercolour, an engraver in many media, book illustrator, even interior designer. Although he was associated for some years with Alvin Langdon Coburn, his photography is less known. Brangwyn's photography was subservient to his other activities; he used photographs as rapid sketches from which to work in detail. Yet to the modern eye the skill and expression in the photographs are, if anything, higher than in the graphic works. The powerful elegant realism of his photographs is compelling.

'Modern Commerce', one of the large scale mural paintings for which Brangwyn became famous, was commmissioned for the Royal Exchange in 1900, completed in 1906. The figure in the present study leans into the picture space from the left foreground.