Thomas Wilberforce Mitchell 1879 - 1958

Private Collection, Toronto

Ontario Society of Artists, Annual Exhibition, Toronto, 1928, no. 80

Canadian National Exhibition, 1928, no. 373

Ontario Society of Artists, Annual Exhibition, exhibition catalogue, Toronto, 1928, no. 80, illustrated on p. 19

Canadian National Exhibition, exhibition catlalogue, 1928, no. 373, illustrated, unpaginated

This painting is in very good condition. It would benefit from a cleaning as there is surface dirt and discoloured varnish across the whole canvas, which is loose. There is evidence of restoration in the lower left corner with a patch on the reverse, and inpainting is apparent in the area under UV.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Mitchell was a successful commercial artist and illustrator who was for a time the art director at Brigden's, a design firm run by Albert Robson and one that employed artists like Charles Comfort. He studied under George Reid and then in Philadelphia and was an exceptional painter, as this fine work shows

Early on, Albert Robson commented on Mitchell citing two important features in his art:

First his use of brilliant colour; he is interested in the effects of outdoor light, the sparkle of sunlight and shadow.  The other feature is his choice of graphic and picturesque subjects, depicted with fine drawing and sincerity.