Edward Lear (1812-1888) Canea, Crete

Edward Lear (1812-1888) Canea, Crete, dated 17 April 1864 6.40 pm and titled lower left, watercolour and ink, 21.5 x 34.5 cm, frame 43 x 56 cmProvenance: collection of Peter Roberts, purchased from Maurice Edward Dear, Southampton and label for Craddock & Barnard, LondonFootnote:Peter Roberts was born in Shropshire and brought up in the market town of Shrewsbury. He attended the Priory Grammar School before leaving for Cambridge University where he studied Classics and English. He qualified as a teacher, working first at Rydal School in North Wales before being appointed Head of English at Oundle School in 1982 where he remained until his retirement in 2007. Later in life he returned to his roots in Shropshire and spent his time pursuing his love of the arts, and built up a very carefully curated collection of antique furniture, antiquarian books and in particular, 19th Century English Watercolours. Roberts had a keen eye and focused on some of Britain’s best loved landscape painters such as David Cox, John Varley, Paul Sandby, Peter de Wint and William Leighton Leitch.Condition:The painting is a watercolour on paper, framed under glazing- not examined external to the frame. The sheet appears in good condition, no obvious losses or faults, the surface appears stable, no obvious evidence for deterioration. The paint and ink appear well preserved, no obvious losses or deterioration. Overall very good condition. The frame has solid joints, general good condition minor wear and tear