Julian Trevelyan, R.A.

Original canvas. The canvas appears sound. There are some fine, scattered lines of craquelure, and a possible spot of associated lifting to the grey pigment at the centre of the upper horizontal edge. There is some light surface dirt to the work. Subject to the above, the work appears to be in good overall condition. Ultraviolet light reveals a spot of fluorescence which indicates retouching to the wing of the swan in the lower centre of the work, with further areas of fluorescence across the work which are thought to be inkeeping with the artist's materials. The work is presented in a painted wooden frame. Please telephone the department on +44 (0) 207 293 6424 if you have any questions regarding the present work.
"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 broad bend of the river at Chiswick has now become so much part of my life that I can conceive of living nowhere else. Besides the river traffic, tugs, barges, sailing dinghies, skiffs and eights, there are the ever-changing states of the tide ... From our garden we look up river to Chiswick Eyot, an island of willows, decorated at either end with a group of swans who are for ever cleaning themselves, their long necks turning and twisting ceaselessly. In the summer the island behind the willows is a jungle of hemlock and dank verdure. In the winter it is often flooded and the summer's growth lies bleached and flattened with driftwood.'

(Julian Trevelyan, Indigo days, MacGibbon & Kee, London, 1957, p.51)