JOHN WILSON CARMICHAEL | Murton Colliery, County Durham

With M. Newman, London, by September 1967;
by whom sold to Sir John Smith

The canvas has been lined. Some areas of localised craquelure throughout. A dirty and discoloured layer of surface. The work appreas to be in good overall condition. UV light inspection reveals some minor areas of retouching in the foreground and to the figure group. Some possible old retouchings and infilling to the background and sky but more conclusive reading is obscured by a heavy layer of opaque varnish. Held in a gold frame.
"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 present painting depicts the Murton Colliery a decade after the shafts were sunk. Following the discovery of coal in its fields in 1838, Murton transformed from a small, rural hamlet into an industrial community, with miners relocating there from across the north of England, and, eventually, from much further afield. Five years prior to completing the present painting, Carmichael painted a similar work, A View of Murton Colliery Near Seaham, which shows a closer view of the mine and its workers.