Henry Walton

Bowyer Nicholls, Lawford Hall, Essex;
Thence by descent to his grandson, the present owner.

E. Bell, ‘The Life and Work of Henry Walton’, in Gainsborough’s House Review, 1998–99, p. 75, cat. no. 190.

The canvas has been relined, the paint surface is slightly dirty and the varnish is slightly discoloured. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals a campaign of retouching throughout the sky, the foreground beneath the girl's feet, in the wooden post to her left, and in the fence to her right. There is a small patch of sensitive retouching in the girl's cheek, and some strengthening in her bonnet and in the darks of her dress. The foliage on her left has also been strengthened. In overall 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."

Dr Miklos Rajnai, who organized the Walton exhibition at The Castle Museum, Norwich, in 1963 confirmed the attribution to the artist in a letter to the owner dated 30 November 1980, a copy of which is offered with the present lot. We are grateful to Evelyne Bell for confirming that the picture is by Walton and is listed as number 190 in her catalogue of the artist’s works.