Although Cooper's assertion that his collaboration with F.R. Lee began in 1848 and ended in 1856 has long been accepted, Cooper had previously introduced cattle into Lee's Royal Academy exhibit View from Posbury, looking towards Exeter (1845 no.345), and joint productions continued until at least as late as 1867. After their initial success joint works appeared annually at the Royal Academy from 1848 to 1856 - reflecting Cooper's dating - and further works were entered at the British Institution and the Royal Manchester Institution. Queen Victorian was among those who admired their joint efforts, calling them 'the Beaumont and Fletcher of Art.'

The division of labour was decided by Lee, who would leave areas of his landscapes unpainted where he wished Cooper to introduce the animals. However, even after their collaboration ceased, the demand for 'joint' works induced owners of Lee's paintings to commission Cooper to add cattle into finished works, the practise continuing long after Lee's death in 1879.

We are grateful to Kenneth J. Westwood for his help in preparing the entries on lots 60, 61, 63 and 64. We would like to point out that they will be included in his forthcoming book to be titled Thomas Sidney Cooper, His Life and Work, Vol.II