PARTRIDGE, 'CONVERSATION PIECE' [WITH] 'THE GOOD FAIRY', INK 1937 AND 1943

279 by 381mm., pen and ink, signed and inscribed with title, mounted, framed and glazed [together with a further drawing on reverse:] ‘The Good Fairy’, (‘Don't forget that any money you can save from housekeeping belongs by right to me’), 279 by 381mm., pen and ink, signed and inscribed with title and publication details

EXHIBITED:
'Images of Power: From the Jeffrey Archer Cartoon Collection', Monnow Valley Arts, 3 September - 30 October 2011

Punch, 30 June 1937, page 717; Punch, 17 November 1943, page 419

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."

‘Conversation Piece’
Shortly after the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in July 1936, the governments of Britain and France began to formulate a policy of non-intervention, aimed at the various powers of Europe. On 7 August, France unilaterally declared non-intervention, a stance that was also adopted by Britain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, Czechoslovakia and the Soviet Union. On 9 August, Germany informed the British that ‘no war materials had been sent from Germany and none will’, which was untrue, as proven by the shooting down of a German aircraft over Spain. Under diplomatic pressure from Britain and France, Italy signed the agreement on the 21 August, with Germany following suit three days later. On 9 September 1936, the first meeting of the Non-Intervention Committee was held in London. Present were representatives from Britain, France, Italy, Germany and the Soviet Union. The Agreement turned out to be little more than a conversation piece. The hypocritical actions of certain members of the Non-Intervention Committee was blatant.

‘The Good Fairy’
As the Second World War continued and Britain fought on three continents, rationing and austerity intensified in keeping with rising military costs. War bonds were used in Britain as a way of financing the war effort whilst making the civilian population feel more involved in their military.