WALTER DENDY SADLER | The Skipper's Birthday

Purchased by a private collector in the 1960s and thence by family descent

Original canvas. Slightly loose on its stretcher and undulates slightly. The central horizontal bar verso has a repair bracket stabilising a former crack which would benefit from replacement. There is a small surface abrasion above the skipper's left shoulder and a small 0.5cm surface puncture to the table in the lower right corner. Also a faint horizontal abrasion to the chest of the gentleman in near right foreground. There is some occasional surface dirt; otherwise the work appears in good condition overall. Ultraviolet light reveals five minor spots to and around the Union Jack flags at upper edge. There are some areas of retouching in the lower left and lower right corners and a small spot near the centre of the right edge. A few further small spots corresponding to the above mentioned abrasion of the figure in the right foreground. Held in a gilt plaster 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."