An Inventory […] of Pictures at West Horsley Place, Surrey, The property of the Marquess of Crewe, 1938, p. 37;
Sitters’ Book I, p. 100: Jack Madeley - (Margaret Crewe) / 28 October (among other signatures dated 1914) 

The board appears to be sound and the work appears in good overall condition. Under ultraviolet light there appear to be no signs of retouching. Held in a gilt plaster frame (bearing some cracks and losses)
"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."

De László’s fluid and rapid technique allows him to capture the animation and inquisitive innocence of his child sitters. By 1914 he had five sons under the age of thirteen and all were regular models for their father, resulting in some of his most imaginative study portraits.

Richard George Archibald John Lucian Hungerford, Earl of Madeley was born 7 February 1911. He was the only son of Robert Offley Ashburton Crewe-Milnes, 1^st Marquess of Crewe and his second wife Lady Margaret Etrenne Hannah Primrose, daughter of the 5^th Earl of Rosebery.

His father, Lord Robert Crewe-Milnes, was responsible for the Delhi durbar of 1911, when George V became the first reigning monarch to visit India. In recognition of his successful management of the event Crewe was made a marquess in 1911, with the additional title of Earl of Madeley. This became the courtesy title of t﷽he sitter, Though de László did not paint the Marquess of Crewe he did paint the Viceroy of India [111008] at this time, Lord Hardinge of Penshurst.

The sitter died, aged only eleven, on 31 March 1922. His funeral was reported in the Times: &ldqu𝄹o;The funeral of Lord Madeley took place yesterday at Barthomley Church, a few miles from Crewe, where the ancestors of the Marquess of Crewe are buried. A large crowd of villagers, tenantry, and others of neighbouring places were present. The procession came by road from Betley Road Station, the coffin being placed on a wagon and bearing several beautiful floral tributes….workers on the estate acted as bearers.”  

We are grateful to Katherine Field for writing the catalogue entry for this portrait, which will be included in the Philip de László catalogue raisonné, currently presented in progress online: www.delaszlocatalogueraisonne.com  

The Hon. Mrs de Laszlo and a team of editors are compiling the catalogue raisonné of the artist’s entire oeuvre. Katherine Field is the Senior Editor.  Please see www.delaszloarchivetrust.com or contact catalogue@delaszlo.com for more information or to offer any contribution.