Joseph Nash

Crewe House, London, Inventory, Vol. 2, 1913, p.68, in Secretary's Room

The sheet appears to be sound; faint scattered spots of foxing across the surface. Held under glass in a gilt composite frame with a beige mount; would benefit from reframing. Unexamined out of 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."

Joseph Nash was a watercolour painter and lithographer specialising in historical buildings. He studied with Augustus Charles Pugin and his major work was the four-volume Mansions of England in the Olden Time (1839-49). He became well-known for his views of late Gothic buildings, which he often peopled with figures from the past to illustrate the houses as they were once lived in. The present work and the following interior view of Crewe Hall by Nash both illustrate this technique and together they stand as important historical records of Crewe Hall, painted not long before Crewe Hall caught fire and was severely damaged in 1866.