Preparatory sketch of Lord Lonsdale, the Yellow Earl by Anthony Wysard c1930-35

Wysard, Anthony (1907-1984). Lord Lonsdale, the "Yellow Earl". Original preparatory caricature. c.1930-1935.

Original unfinished caricature in pencil, ink and colour on thin paper, 290 x 360 mm. Unsigned. The composition enclosed within ruled borders, with extensive pencil revisions and a roughly indicated second figure in the driver's compartment. Corresponding work on the reverse, with broad pencil shading across much of the vehicle. Old folds and creasing, light surface soiling and minor wear to the edges. Overall very good.

Hugh Cecil Lowther, 5th Earl of Lonsdale (1857-1944), is depicted leaning from the window of a yellow motor car, wearing a grey top hat and a flower in his buttonhole, with an exaggerated cigar projecting from his mouth. His distinctive whiskers and ruddy complexion are developed in colour, while much of the vehicle and its surroundings remain in pencil. A small coronet is indicated on the car door.

Lonsdale was a wealthy sporting patron and society figure whose enthusiasm for yellow cars and yellow livery earned him the nickname "The Yellow Earl". Closely associated with boxing, he was the first president of the National Sporting Club and donated the first Lonsdale championship belt in 1909. The drawing brings together several of his most recognisable personal attributes in a single comic composition. The sketch was likely either for Tatler or a private commission.