JAMES WARD, R.A. | Study for 'Sides All': The Bunch of Grapes Tavern, Kensington

Lord and Lady Hesketh, by 1960;
By descent to the Estate of Christian Lady Hesketh;
By whose Executors sold, Sotheby's, London 7 March 2007, lot 48

Arts Council of Great Britain, James Ward 1769–1859, 1960, no.31;
Northampton, Central Museum and Art Gallery, Country Life Pictures from the houses of Northamptonshire, 8 October – 5 November 1966, no.71

Oliver Beckett, The Life and Work of James Ward, R.A., 1769–1859: The Forgotten Genius, Sussex 1995, p.118 (reproduced incorrectly as the picture at Woburn)

The panel is formed of a single plank, has 3 horizontal battens attached to the reverse (halfway down the right margin), and is flat and stable. The paint surface is clean, and the varnish clear and even. Inspection under ultraviolet light reveals retouchings along a horizontal split which starts near the centre of the right margin, approx. 10 cm long, and which relates to the battens on the reverse. There are also spot retouchings scattered along the margins, a few in the group of trees centre left, and in the vines crawling up the building upper right, but the work appears in overall good condition.
"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."

Painted circa 1822, the present painting is a sketch for a larger work which was commissioned by the Duke of Bedford for 500 guineas, and exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1827, no. 64, under the title Sides All. The exhibited painting remained at Woburn Abbey until 1951, when it was acquired by Lord Rockley. The scene depicted is that of dray horses dragging barrels; in the distance, it is possible to discern the misty outline of St. Paul's Cathedral, and it is likely that the composition is set in Kensington, where there is still a pub called The Bunch of Grapes.