Ivon Hitchens

Dr Alastair Hunter
Crane Kalman Gallery, London, where acquired by the present owner, January 1988

London, Crane Kalman Gallery, A Selection of British Art: Collectors' Items from the 20th Century, 3rd December - 9th January 1988.

Original canvas. The canvas appears sound. There are some fine lines of craquelure apparent to some of the areas of purple, light purple and blue pigments in areas, most apparent in the lower third of the work, visible upon very close inspection. There is a vertical scuff and some resultant small flecks of paint loss to the purple pigment towards the top of the left vertical edge, which may be the result of an old frame abrasion, and some extremely tiny, minor possible flecks of loss to the brown and blue pigments in the lower right corner. There are one or two instances of light surface dirt and studio detritus, but subject to the above, the work appears to be in very good overall condition, with strong and bright passages of pigment throughout. Ultraviolet light reveals no obvious signs of fluorescence or retouching. The work is presented in a painted and gilded wooden frame with a painted white slip. 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."

'With great pleasure, I observe your "Flower Movement" 1974 by Ivon Hitchens. I have always wanted to see it! This is because I was dining with Ivon and Mollie Hitchens and took them some dark maroon coloured poppies from the garden here. Ivon was especially excited with the colour and said he would paint them the following morning. When I next went to see Ivon and Mollie I asked if I might see the painting...But no, alas. Although it was only about six weeks later, someone had already seen it and bought it on the spot!...Therefore, when I saw your [catalogue] with Ivon's and my poppies in it, I felt sure THIS must be the picture!...Please tell your purchaser that the maroon poppy was grown in Miss Gertrude...Jekyll's Garden!'
(letter from Lady Freyberg to Andras Kalman, 7th January 1988).