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Description Sir Oswald Birley
1880 - 1952
Portrait of Norton Cecil Michael Knatchbull, 6th Baron Brabourne (1922-1943), half-length wearing the uniform of an Ensign in the Grenadier Guards
signed and dated upper right:?Oswald Birley/1942
oil on canvas
76.8 x 64.1 cm.
Condition Report The canvas has been lined and is providing a strong structural support.
UNDER ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT There is a diagonal line of retouching, measuring approximately 9cm, running from just below the sittier's nose, through his lip to the top of his collar. This retouching is visible upon close inspection in natural light. There are some minor flecks that flouresce, to some of the letters of the signature and the date, notably the 9. There is an opaque and uneven layer of varnish that obscures further reading.
"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."
Notes The sitter was the?eldest son of Michael, 5th Lord Brabourne and his?wife Lady Doreen Browne. He was educated?at Eton and then Sandhurst after which he initially joined The Buffs (The Royal East Kent Regiment) before being commissioned into the Grenadiers during the 2nd World?War. He served in Italy where he was wounded, then captured by the Germans, in 1943. Whilst?on a train to a prisoner of war camp in Germany he and a fellow officer escaped at Bronzolo but were recaptured and?were both executed by the SS in September?1943. He was succeeded to the title by his brother John who at that time was serving in the Coldstream Guards. The portrait was painted by Sir Oswald Birley, a friend of the family, whilst Lord Brabourne was on leave in 1942.