by descent from the sitters to Mary Cooke (d. 1750) of Highnam, who married Henry Guise circa 1730;
th♐ence by descent ꦉin the Guise family at Elmore, Gloucestershire

STRUCTURE Both canvases have been lined. PAINT SURFACE Both paintings appear to be in very good condition. There are minor abrasions to the left and right edges of the female portrait, and a small number of scattered very minor visible retouchings to her as well. both paintings have an old and very discoloured, dirty varnish overall, however the pictures appear to be in largely untouched condition. ULTRAVIOLET Examination under ultraviolet light confirms the condition mentioned above, and shows no apparent recent retouching. FRAME Both held in a period style wooden frames.
"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."

re-offer letter sent for October 2011 £10-15,000

William Cooke, of Highnam, Gloucestershire (d. circa 1700), was the son of Sir Robert Cooke, and his wife Dorothy Fleetwood (see next lot). He married circa 1620, Anne, 🐷da🐼ughter of Dennis Rowls of Devon. In 1663 he became High Sheriff of Gloucestershire, and Mayor of Gloucester in 1672, later representing the city in Parliament for several years.

Highnam Court, which William inherited from his father, had been severely damaged during the Civil War. In 1658 William rebuilt the house, to designs that are linked to Edward Carter, a pupil of Inigo Jones. It is one of the grandest late 17th ce꧙ntury huses in the county and has the disti♛nction of being one of the few newly built manor houses to have been constructed during the Protectorate.