JOHN VARLEY, O.W.S. (LONDON 1778-1842)

Varley first saw Polesden Lacey with Dr Monro (1759-1833, see lot 66) in 1800, when visiting him at his house in Fetcham, Surrey. However the present drawing was made later: in 1816 the estate was sold to Joseph Bonsor, who built a new villa on the site, designed by Thomas Cubitt (1788-1855). It is this house, with its elegant columned portico, which is shown here. Varley must have returned to the house, after around 1820, and made several views from different directions and viewpoints. For further views of Polesden Lacey by Varley, see lots 123 and 127.
For a note on the artist, please see lot 43.