Sale, Christie's London, 9th November 1990, lot 260A
Acquired by the present owner in November 1990

Not examined out of the frame. Original canvas. The canvas appears sound. There is some minor frame abrasion along the extreme edges from a previous frame and a few very fine lines of craquelure along the canvas overlap, including to the upper and right edges, and there is a tiny fine line of craquelure in the brown pigment of the upper left quadrant. One or two of the thick impasto tips have been flattened, most noticeable to the white element in the upper left quadrant, and there is a light layer of surface dirt to the work, including in the crevices of the areas of thick impasto. Subject to the above the work is in very good overall condition. Examination under UV light reveals a few small spots of retouching to all four corners, probably due to the aforementioned frame abrasion. The work is presented in simple white wooden tray frame. 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."

'The abstract painter submits himself entirely to the un-known...he is like a man swinging out into the void; his only props his colours, his shapes and their space-creating powers. Can he construct with these means a barque capable of carrying not only himself to some further shore, but, with the aid of others, a whole flotilla which may be seen, eventually, as having been carrying humanity forward to their unknown destination?' (The Artist, Artist's statement, published in Lawrence Alloway, Nine Abstract Artists, 1954)