British Paintings and Watercolours Online Auction

February 26, 2015

LOT 71

Lot 71

Lawrence Biddle (1888-1968)

Lawrence Biddle (1888-1968)
Lot 71 Details
Lawrence Biddle (1888-1968), British

PANSIES, SWEET WILLIAMS, ANCHAN, LINARIA, HELIOPHILA AND SAPONARIA

Oil on board; signed and dated 42 lower right, titled and inscribed by the artist: “I have had great pleasure in painting this picture especially for Mr. and Mrs. George R. Paterson and it is I believe one of the best I have ever painted” and “marked TV in the artist’s catalogue” to label verso.

Together with 10 handwritten letters from the artist to the Patersons pertaining to the painting (from its conception to its completion and delivery to Mr. and Mrs. Paterson, dating from June 5, 1942 to August 25th, 1942 with an envelope addressed to Mrs. Paterson while they resided in London
14" x 20.75" — 35.6 x 52.7 cm.

Estimate $1,000-$1,500

Realised: $1,050
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
Lawrence Biddle (1888-1968)
  • Lawrence Biddle (1888-1968)
Provenance:

Direct from the artist, painted for Mr. and Mrs. George R. Paterson

Note:

In the various letters exchanged between the artist and the Patersons, the Patersons commissioned the artist to paint a still-life like that of their brother. Their brother, a Toronto resident, owned a Biddle work that depicts Canadian flowers.
Biddle explained to the couple that he liked to paint fresh flowers from his garden rather than dried flower samples he would have to use in order to accomodate their request for Canadian flowers. The final compromise resulted in a selection of British and Canadian flowers for the composition.

The artist discusses with the Patersons colour choices and he was asked not to use yellow in the composition. He also discusses the frame chosen and the glass over top which is still intact today. Mrs. Patterson requested that the bowl be inscribed with a “P”; however in the end the artist felt the choice of a gold floral design was more suiting.

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 71
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About Condition Ratings

  • 5 Stars: Excellent - No discernable damage, flaws or imperfections
  • 4 Stars: Very Good - Minor flaws or imperfections visible only under close inspection using specialised instruments or black light
  • 3 Stars: Good - Minor flaws visible upon inspection under standard lighting
  • 2 Stars: Fair - Exhibits flaws or damage that may draw the eye under standard lighting
  • 1 Star: Poor - Flaws or damage immediately apparent under standard lighting (examples: missing components, rips, broken glass, damaged surfaces, etc.)

Note: Condition ratings and condition details are the subjective opinions of our specialists and should be used as a guide only. Waddington’s uses due care when preparing condition details, however, our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. Condition details and reports are not warranties and each lot is sold “as is” in accordance with the buyer’s terms and conditions of sale. In all cases the prospective purchaser is responsible for inspecting the property themselves prior to placing a bid.