Sale, Christie's London, 11th March 1994, lot 102, where acquired by David Bowie

London, Barbican Art Gallery, Eric Gill: Sculpture, 11th November 1992 - 7th February 1993, cat. no.70, p.103, illustrated, with tour to Oriel 31, Newtown, Powys, and Leeds City Art Gallery, Leeds.

Both works: The sheets have been fully laid down onto card and are affixed to a mount along the top edge. There are a number of artist's pin holes in all four corners and in the centre of the top edges with associated discolouration to the sheets in places. The sheets are slightly unevenly cut along the edges and the card is very slightly cockled. The sheets are slightly discoloured around the edges, not visible in the present mounts, with some possible handling marks. Left: There is a small speck of matter to the centre of the work, with three or four other light and small specks of dirt scattered throughout. Right: There are some light areas of scuffing to the sheet in the lower left quadrant, and small light spots of foxing scattered throughout. Subject to the above the work is in overall very good condition. Both works are window mounted and held within a simple wood frame under glass. Please telephone the department on +44 (0) 207 293 6424 if you have any questions regarding the present work.
"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."

In December 1925, Eric Gill visited Rossall School in Fleetwood, Lancashire to discuss the possibility of carving a large oak altarpiece for the new War Memorial Chapel there.  In order to satisfy the panel of commissioners Gill drew a design for the altarpiece in January 1926, followed by further designs in April, June and September. The commissioners chose the subject of the Adoration of the Magi, but instead Gill proposed that of the Crucifixion, which was accepted.

On 19 January 1927 the oak panels for the altarpiece were delivered to Gill’s workshop and in order to work out the design on the wood, Gill produced these two impressive full-scale drawings which depict the two thieves bound to their crosses at Christ’s crucifixion, one of whom faces towards Christ while the other turns away.

We are grateful to Judy Collins for her kind assistance with the ಌcat💞aloguing of the present work.