William John Wainwright (1855-1931) The Showman

William John Wainwright (1855-1931) The Showman, Portrait of Pat Collins MP (1859-1943), signed and dated with monogram and dated 1894 lower left, watercolour, 55 x 37 cm, frame 79 x 60 cm, together with a framed handwritten letter from the artist dated July 3rd 1927 to the 'Reverend and Dear Father O'Toole' referencing a painting he was making of an Archbishop and the painting of Pat Collins he was working on at that time, (2)

Patrick Collins worked in the fairgrounds industry, having founded his own family business. He was President of the Showmen's Guild of Great Britain 1920-1929. He became a liberal MP for Walsall between 1922-1924, became an Alderman for Walsall in 1930 and then the Mayor in 1938.

Condition Report
The portrait is a watercolour on paper, framed under glazing - not examined external to the frame. THe sheet appears in generally good condition, with some general ageing but no obvious tears or creasing etc. The paint condition appears stable and generally in good condition. There are a few spots of foxing above the forehead of the sitter which appears to be isolated and sparsly distributed. The picture is initialled and dated 1894 lower left. 

The letter is framed under glazing - the letter is written on laid paper with a visible blind stamp upper right. It appears to have been written double sided- the frame has not been opened. The sheets are in good condition and the ink well preserved and stable. The frame good, minor wear and tear

Bidding indicates acceptance of the condition of the lot.  All lots are sold subject to general wear and tear commensurate with age and handling over time and only obvious faults will be mentioned after a visual inspection. If you have particular specialist questions on any lot, please state these before bidding since we cannot and will not provide a forensic examination of any lot but only a general condition report as a guide only. All condition reports given by Halls Holdings Ltd's representatives or agents are statements of opinion and not fact. If you require any further information about any lots in this auction or about bidding please do not hesitate to contact us again.