John Harwood

Anonymous sale ('The Property of a Gentleman'), London, Christie's, 26 June 1981, lot 99, for £6,000.

The canvas is relined, the paint surface is stable with a thick and discoloured varnish. The paint surface has a degree of surface dirt and accretions particularly in the lower quarter of the canvas. There are no major damages visible to the naked eye bar a tiny paint loss at the left of the upper margin, a few old surface scratches and some scattered minor discoloured old retouchings. Inspection under ultra violet light reveals very little else by the way of restoration as the varnish fluoresces opaquely, there is one small patch of restoration measuring 5cm by 1 inch at the bottom right corner, and a hairline horizontal line of retouchings measuring 3 inches in length running above the Ensign of the central vessel. In seemingly very good overall 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 Thames was built at Shields, on the Tyne, by Clark & Co in 1830. She weighed 225 tons and was captained by J. Foster. We are grateful to Sam Davidson for his assistance with the cataloguing of this lot.