Lot 8

Hairline cracking is present (in the blue pigment) and also running down the left side of the board, all consistent with the grain of the wooden panel. No losses to paint are visible. Minimal fly spotting is present on surface. Limited dust in areas were the paint is textured- All consistant with age and in overall very good condition.


The opinions expressed in the condition reports are a guide only and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Prospective buyers are encouraged to inspect articles for sale at our pre-sale viewing where Leonard Joel staff are available for advice.
Leonard Joel makes no guarantee of the originality of mechanical or applied components. Absence of reference to such modifications does not imply that a lot is free from modifications.

Private collection, Melbourne 1928
Thence by descent
Private collection, Melbourne

Fine Art Society, Melbourne, March 1928, cat. no. 4 (25gns)

Topliss, H., Tom Roberts 1856-1931 A Catalogue Raisonne, Oxford University Press, Melbourne, 1985, cat. no. 635, illus. plate 235, p. 215

Argus, 2 March 1928, p. 13

At the end of 1927, Tom Roberts took three weeks holiday at Trawool with his wife Lillie. The pair were in good company, with their close friend Arthur Streeton taking a welcome break there at the same time.
Happy Cottage, Goulburn Valley is revealing in its name alone, a tender work produced from happy memories just a short time before Roberts' wife passed. The picturesque cottage at the forefront is surrounded by idyllic blue sky, glistening sunlight, and perfectly tended flowers. Having been in the same family collection since 1928, this affectionate work points to a jovial period in Tom Roberts' life where perhaps he was painting less as for professional gain and more for personal enjoyment.