Both practical bookcases exhibit much wear and feature numerous marks, scuffs and stains from wear and use. Pitting to surface. Some paint loss and red-decoration. Split to triangular form cresting of one. Old repairs to damage. Gallery inspection recommended.
"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."

These bookcases could well have been supplied by John Fowler to Vivien. Their Regency form and painted finish would have appealed to him enormously. At the start of his career he learnt and honed an array of decorative painting techniques, working for Thornton Smith a commercial decorator in Soho and then for Margaret Kunzer an antique dealer who would source early 19^th century painted pine and beech furniture which Fowler would enhance (see Chester Jones, Colefax & Fowler, London, 1989, p. 11). This sort of furniture became a key ingredient in his stock and decorative schemes, most notably in his celebrated partnership with Sibyl Colefax.