The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS CONDITION REPORT WAS PREPARED BY DEBORAH BATES, AN
INDEPENDENT WORKS ON PAPER CONSERVATOR UNCONDITIONAL AND WITHOUT PREJUDICE
Not examined in studio conditions.
Condition:
The primary support, a fine laid paper sheet with additions of the same along the lower and right edge, is lined
onto linen and wrapped with a narrow return around a wooden stretcher. It is in fair overall condition, albeit with
some acidity, consistent with its age and arrangement, and a few small areas of mechanical damage.
The sheet is affected by significant acidic discolouration; however, the worse of this is restricted to the sheet
margins which have been in contact with the stretcher bars. Paper strength here has deteriorated and these
embrittled sections contain some small breaks and fractures; for example, there is a crescent shaped crack in the
upper right corner and a thumb size fracture near the left edge in the upper left quarter. Planar distortion in the
corners is also significant; caused by sheet movement in conflict with stretcher tension. There is also attrition on
the sheet return at intervals in part due to friction within a frame. Pinholes in the corners are original.
The design layer is in excellent condition, containing a broad range of mark-making and a combination of wet and
dry technique in fine original condition. There is just a little tone change and the outer edges due to concealment
in the work’s framed situation.
Print Report