Beschreibung:

A RARE EARLY GEORGE III CARVED AND PAINTED PORTRAIT BUST OF THE SHIPBUILDER WILLIAM WOOD DATED 1767 and inscribed 43 On integral socle, carved and painted softwood, inscribed and dated to reverse 65cm high, the base 24 x 20cmProvenance: Property from the Phillip Lucas Collection, Spitalfields House Together with his brother John, William Wood (1725-1804) established shipyards and timber yards at Whitehaven, Harrington, Workington and Maryport in Cumberland. The Bath historian David Bridgwater has patiently unravelled and sorted through the Wood family history- particularly in relation to the family tradition of having busts carved of themselves. In his blog he relates how in an article in the 2015 Georgian Group Journal Vol XXIII pp.47-64, the writer David Wilson had postulated that a black painted wood bust in a private collection inscribed 'I WOOD 1767 aged 49' was possibly that of the Bath architect and planner John Wood the Elder. Bridgwater suggests rather that it was of the Shipbuilder John Wood Given that that it is of comparable dimensions and stylistic form it would seem probable that he is quite correct and that these two busts were carved at the same time- probably by the same hand. Interestingly the Georgian Group article makes the suggestion that the sculptor "might have been a carver of objects such as ships' figureheads at the nearby seaport of Bristol, most of which by that time were made from softwoods, often pine". Given the identity of the two subjects- such a suggestion is more than reasonable. John Wood had had portrait busts of himself carved before. In 2016 Northeast Auctions, Portsmouth, New Hampshire sold a carved elm bust inscribed "John Wood 1754 AGED 36 Y" now in a private collection. (Lot 1068, Summer Weekend Auction 20 - 21 August 2016). Additionally there are several known busts of John's son and grandson. Dreweatts are indebted to the historian David Bridgwater for his assistance with cataloguing this lot. His research is on his blog "Cumberland Ship Building in the Eighteenth Century" https://cumberlandshipbuilding.blogspot.com/ Condition Report: shrinkage cracks notably to reverse and old remedial work notably to left shoulder and neck front, some retouching to paint Wear, marks, knocks and scratches as per age, handling, use, and cleaning. Please see additional images for visual references to condition which form part of this condition report. All lots are available for inspection and Condition Reports are available on request. However, all lots are of an age and type which means that they may not be in perfect condition and should be viewed by prospective bidders; please refer to Condition 6 of the Conditions of Business for Buyers. This is particularly true for garden related items. We must advise you that we are not professional restorers or conservators and we do not provide any guarantee or warranty as to a lot's condition. Accordingly, it is recommended that prospective buyers inspect lots or have their advisors do so, and satisfy themselves as to condition and accuracy of description All lots are offered for sale "as viewed" and subject to the applicable Conditions of Business for Buyer's condition, which are set out in the sale catalogue and are available on request. Buyers are reminded that liability for loss and damage transfers to the buyer from the fall of the hammer. Whilst the majority of lots will remain in their location until collected, we can accept no responsibility for any damage which may occur, even in the event of Dreweatts staff assisting carriers during collection. Condition Report Disclaimer