Lot 124
  • 124

John Varley

Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 GBP
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Description

  • John Varley
  • Lambeth: on the Surrey side between Westminster and Blackfriars Bridge
  • signed l.r.: J Varley 1817; inscribed verso: on the Surrey Side between Westminster and Blackfriars Bridge
  • watercolour over pencil heightened with stopping out, mounted, unframed
  • 26 by 39.5 cm.; 10 1/4 by 15 1/2 in.

Provenance

with Colnaghi's, London, 1948;
Michael Ingram, his sale in these Rooms, 8 December 2005, lot 159 (bt. by the present owner)

Exhibited

Ludlow Festival, 1983

Condition

The watercolour is in excellent condition. The colours have remained very fresh. Located at the extreme left hand edge of the sheet (hidden under the present mount) is a small area of paint loss. This is associated with previous mounting. The work has been laid down onto a support-sheet made of Japanese conservation paper.
"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

This watercolour belongs to a group of works dating from 1816 to 1817. In these works Varley concentrates on the informal everyday life of the Lambeth area of London. In stark contrast to his more traditional and classical compositions of Welsh mountain scenery, here he captures a long since lost view of Lambeth, bathed in the mystical light of a full moon. Other examples of these watercolours can be found in the British Museum (see 1880-11-13-1245), the Victoria & Albert Museum (see no. 46-1876) as well as the Paul Mellon Collection, New Haven.