Peter De Wint

Harriet de Wint, the Studio Sale of Peter de Wint, 22-24 May and 27-28 May 1850 (unknown lot number);
John Morris, 1884;
Anonymous sale in these Rooms, 28 November 2004, lot 144 (bt. by the present owner)

London, Vokins Gallery, Loan Collection of Water-Colour drawings and sketches by Peter de Wint, Centenary Exhibition, 1884, no. 151;
London, Appleby Brothers, Autumn Exhibition, 1961, no. 2210/134;
London, Appleby Brothers, Summer Exhibition, 1965, no. 107

ENGRAVED

by Charles Heath for Views of London, 1825, pl. 22

The medium is in good condition and the paper has not discoloured. There is one very skilfully repaired foxmark located towards the right hand edge of the composition. This can only be seen on very close inspection. The sheet has not been laid down.
"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."

Looking from the east, de Wint depicts Westminster to the right and Lambeth to the left. This rare drawing is particularly interesting as it depicts this part of London before the fire of 1834. The fire destroyed the Houses of Parliament and much of the surrounding area. On the near right bank de Wint includes the towers and spires of Westminster Abbey, the tower of St. Margaret's Church and the turrets of Westminster Hall. Further up the river on the right the trees of Covent Garden can be seen, while the House of Lords is also visible. On the river itself, Londoners are working on the boats and jetties.