CHRISTOPHER RICHARD WYNNE NEVINSON, A.R.A. | Ramming Home a Heavy Shell

Gifted by the Artist to the Sir Oswald Stoll Foundation in 1917

The card is adhered to the backing board with two tabs of adhesive tape. A strip of light gauze has been affixed over the extreme left edge, probably in line with a previous presentation, and there are remnants of possible paper at this area. This is not visible in the present mount. There is a small area of probable paper residue on the shoulder of the left man. There is a faint crease at the lower left edge, not visible in the present mount. There are two possible very faint vertical scuffs in the upper left quadrant. There is possible light surface dust. This excepting, the work appears in very good overall condition. The work is window mounted and held behind glass 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."

We are grateful to Dr. Jonathan Black and Christopher Martin for their kind assistance with the cataloguing of the present work. Founded in the aftermath of the First World War, the Sir Oswald Stoll Foundation was established to support troops returning home from the front with physical and mental injury. Set up by theatre empresario and philanthropist Sir Oswald Stoll, who was at the forefront on the debate on how best to support wounded veterans, the charity provided housing in Fulham that remains used to this day. Alongside housing support, the charity continues to provide outreach services, ‘drop-ins’ and support in finding work for veterans after leaving the armed forces.

In 1917 Sir Oswald set about compiling ‘an Album of original contributions received from the foremost Artistes, Painters, Musicians and Authors of the day’, with the intention that the book be reproduced in a limited edition of fifty copies, sold to benefit the charity. Stoll was met with a phenomenal response, including the present work, donated by Nevinson, who had served at the front as an ambulance driver. Sadly the project never came to fruition due to spiralling costs, and instead the album was kept, with the majority of works remaining bound within the album.

The remaining contributions to the album will be offered for sale as part of our 11^th July sale of Victorian, Pre-Raphaelite & British Impressionist Art, with all proceeds going to support the continued work carried out by the charity.