ILLINGWORTH, 'SEMI-DETACHED', INK, 1962

305 by 330mm., ink on board, inscribed with title and ‘Daily Mail’ and dated ‘7th Dec 1962’, mounted, framed and glazed

Daily Mail, 7 December 1962

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"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."

Harold MacMillan’s second term as Prime Minister had been marked by a series of policy failings. A series of wage freezes imposed in 1961 by the Chancellor Selwyn Lloyd made the government unpopular and saw them lose a number of by-elections in March 1962. Fearing his own position, MacMillan sacked eight ministers, including Selwyn Lloyd, in a major cabinet reshuffle in July 1962. It was seen as an act of panic and self-preservation and by December, the ageing MacMillan had become increasingly isolated by his party and within a year he would resign and retire from politics.