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The Worm Forgives the Plough
31.5” x 23.5” (80 x 60 cm) / Oil on gessoed panel / £7500

The scene is on the Oxfordshire plain, on the escarpment side of the nearby Chiltern Hills. The area is as plain a part of the plain as can be imagined. I have no idea why the aspect drew me to it. The title is taken from the classic John Stewart Collis book of the same name, published I believe, in 1973. A fine read, wonderfully enjoyable. It put me off hoeing, ricking, ploughing, digging and farming for life, for which relief much thanks. The manuscript of the book, I was delighted to find out, was originally rejected by twelve publishers. Finally, Jonathan Cape accepted it, but requested much revision. Collis waited a while, then returned the manuscript largely unchanged, thanking the publisher for their suggestions. Jonathan Cape replied saying they were ‘delighted with the improvements’. Attaboy, Jonathan.

To view the original or for more info please contact jim@kelso.co.uk or phone 01491 613003.