Harold Hope Read (1881-1959): "Sitting Nude" - [Pen & Ink Drawing, Signed] -

An atmospheric study; pen and ink, with charcoal. Cross-hatching has been used to pick out the heavy contrast between the shadow and the light fabric around the sitter's waist. Signed in the upper right corner (and likely also dated '11); on wove paper.  Size: 316 x 216mm; sheet size: 346 x 286mm. -  Condition: there's some surface dirt and light discolouration to the edges of the page; otherwise the condition is fine. -

Provenance: ex collection of the artist's lover, model and housekeeper, Hilda. Given to Hilda's nephew Dennis Alfred Steven Hopper upon Hilda's death; given to Douglas James Hopper (Hilda's great nephew) upon his father Dennis's death. - Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity from a British art dealer. -

Early 20th c. English artist who was quite skilled in a variety of drawing techniques. A huge part of the many graphite, charcoal, watercolour and ink drawings has only recently been brought in the open. -  During the years in Tunbridge Wells, Kent (early 1930s - 1959), Hope Read lived an avant-garde lifestyle with his live-in housekeeper, life model and mistress, who we know only as Hilda. Here they lived in the basement flat of a modest detached Victorian villa ... More biographical documentation is rapidly found at "www.haroldhoperead.org.uk".