Stanhope Alexander Forbes, R.A.

David Messum's, Beaconsfield;
Private collection, U.S.A

Original canvas, undulates slightly. There is a repaired inverted L-shaped tear in the upper right corner, with a corresponding patch to the reverse. Some minor flecks of paint loss near the lower right corner and a small area of craquelure by the signature. Ultraviolet light reveals an opaque varnish; there are some retouchings around the above mentioned tear, and further small areas across the canvas. The work would benefit from restoration to the tear and areas of paint loss. Held in a moulded plaster frame.
"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 present picture is a study for or version of A Terminus in the West of 1925 (National Railway Museum, York). Both pictures depict the arrival of a steam-train at Penzance Station, opened in 1879 to replace a wooden building that served as the terminus of the line from Redruth. Forbes’ interest in railway subjects was partly inspired by Sir James Ball, the Chief Engineer for the L.B. & S.C. Railway whose portrait Forbes painted in 1920. He was also commissioned in 1924 to design a poster for the London, Midland & Scottish Railway Company entitled The Permanent Way, Relaying. However, it was also the energy and social diversity of railway stations and the way they had opened up the countryside to visitors that appealed to Forbes’ imagination; by exhibiting his paintings of Cornwall he helped to popularise the area as a holiday destination.