Sir Alfred James Munnings, P.R.A., R.W.S.

Leicester Galleries, November 1947, no. 104
From whom purchased by Major R. O'Brien
With Richard Green by March 1974
From whom purchased by the father of the present owner
Thence by descent

STRUCTURE The panel is sound PAINT SURFACE The paint surface is in good condition. ULTRAVIOLET UV light reveals no sign of retouching. FRAME Held in a plaster gilt frame in fair 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."

The following two works are likely to date from around 1940.  Violet Munnings had owned  a hunting lodge at Withypool on Exmoor since the early 1930s.  This provided a regular retreat for the couple but with the outbreak of World War II, Castle House in Dedham was requisitioned by the army and the cottage became their permanent residence.

Such sunlit, serenely peaceful paintings of untroubled rolling landscapes were extremely popular diversions from the global conflict.  Munnings described Exmoor as "glorious free country" and his work from this period is strongly reminiscent in form and content of that painted in East Anglia during the first decade of the 20th century.  Some thirty years later there is a charming immediacy to the work as moments of beauty are identified and captured with simple, confident and deft brushstrokes.  Notes written  in June 1942 provide an insight into the inspiring and profound effect that the landscape had on the artist;
"Rich, Superb, beautiful and calm...After the cold weather with incessant, monsoon like storms of wind and rain, a complete change has taken place.  For the last two days a benign calm has reigned over the moor.  Never do I remember my soul - encased  in its earthly body - so respondent to the clear, bright sunlight.  Its warm rays shine down on fields, moor, combe and stream...it is too beautiful." (Sir Alfred Munnings, The Finish, 1952, p.70). 

This work will be included in Lorian Peralta-Ramos' forthcoming catalogue raisonné of Sir Alfred Munnings' work.