Edward Swann - Sketch of Balmoral

Hi

I have this sketch by Edward Swann, in the back I can see it says 4990/1100 Sketch of Balmoral. Thoughts on this one?

Thank you

 

A printing of some kind - the original was a sketch, but this isn't the original. The numbers are 990/1100.

 

Thanks, there's a 4 infront of the 990 4990/1100. Do you think this is print 990 of 1100? What tells you it isn't original? In person, I can see the shine from the pencil in certain areas, and where more pressure has been used in some spots. It's hard to photograph those details! Thanks again.

 

I did find Edward Swan pictures online that said watercolour and pencil. Also said still active, postwar, and contemporary. I can't tell from the photos whether this is original or not. If fairly recent, it could be a giclee, which can be difficult to distinguish. You have to decide if you are comfortable that it is original. Some of the pictures I see share that pale palette. Again not finding a biography. Where are the numbers?

 

Moreother - would you recommend taking it out of the frame to assess acid damage from the mat and potential water damage on the lower side?

That might also help solve the question of original versus print?

 

I am 95% sure that it is original, but I don't have a giclee to compare with so can't be 100%. I found this http://www.findartinfo.com/english/list-prices-by-artist/216566/edward-swann.html and the titles / medium used seem to tie in to the Balmoral piece.

Here's the numbers, I have to prise the back open to see them.

 

His dates are 1897-1978.

Debora

 

If it's easily unmounted then yes, I would take it out of the frame at least to replace the mat. Getting it out from behind the glass will also make it easier to decide if its original or not - especially if the glass is that glare-free stuff. Its amazing how much of the sense of original work is lost when that kind of glass is used, even at such close quarters.

It's possible the picture is mounted like that fabric picture the original poster showed - sort of encapsulated. If that's the case, then op will have to decide whether to go further or not.

I think its likely that the numbers have more to do with the framing than with the work itself.

 

I semi released it

 

I think this is the same artist, they just misspelt his name: https://www.mutualart.com/Artist/Edward-Swan/7E5FF155FFCE20DC/Artworks

Thanks for all the input, I've really enjoyed learning about this artist

 

I still can't tell. Does the mat lift so you can see the so you can see the edges of the painted sheet?

 

I've put it back but I'll have a look, I didn't want to play around with it too much. I think this image about captured it where you can see the pencil shine in the windows.

I took a video too but the quality is terrible since uploading it https://streamable.com/vc5kwz

 

So long as you're satisfied.

 

Sure you'll do your own research but, according to the internet... Edward Swann was a British commercial artist and illustrator who is best known for the work he did for the Great Western Railroad. Here's a brochure cover.

Debora

 

The Daler Board Company was established in 1946 so that's your earliest date.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daler-Rowney#Daler_Board_Company

Debora

 

I think I'm satisfied, unless pencil is typically added over the top of a print. I think 4990/1100 might be a gallery refefence no. I saw other ref no's using that same format. I think if I took an eraser to it it would rub out.

 

Certainly could be an original. Why not? A few are floating around on the internet. Edward Swann's granddaughter has posted on this forum with an offer to provide information about him and his work. Might be worth contacting. Also a link to newsreels of him instructing students.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/36844288@N00/3743744936/

Debora

 

Thanks for finding that thread, I was looking through directories earlier to try and find some of his family members. I'll reach out

 

Suspect she'll be pleased.

Debora

 

Please update this thread if you find any more information.