Henry Scott TUKE (1858-1929) Young Man Reading (1920) Waterc...

Hammer

£22,500

Henry Scott TUKE (1858-1929) Young Man Reading (1920) Watercolour, signed and dated 1920, inscribed 'To J. A. H.', 24 x 17cm. Frame size 48.5 x 42cm. The model in this picture is John Alfred Hone (1895-1978). Born in Tewkesbury and served in the Royal Flying Corps (later RAF). On demobilization studied for land agency being one of the four friends who rented Lyndon Lodge London, Tukes parents' old family home. The house was sold in 1921. John Alfred Hone (also known as Jack)joined the Stock Brokers Scott Brothers and became Tukes stock broker and financial advisor and later his executor. Jack was a regular visitor to Falmouth and appeared as a model in many of Tukes major works (see The Registers Of Cornwall Polytechnic Society). He was made a Honorary Life Member of Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society. The picture was a gift to Hone by the artist in 1920 when Hone had been one of the models for 'June Morning' a major work exhibited at the Royal Academy that year. This sensitive watercolour is in excellent condition with no sign of restoration or damage. It has not been examined out of the frame but a slight degree of mount burn is evident. We can see no foxing. It forms part of a private Penwith collection that has been included in this sale. We have been asked if the present work is mentioned in the Tuke registers held by the Tate. It is possible that it is among "Several small studies and sketches" 1920. Of note that year is a portrait of Jack Hone in flying uniform. This was given to the sitter by Tuke.