Mark Senior (1864-1927), a prominent member of the Staithes Group, presents 'The Ives Family, on the Edge of the Tennis Court', a captivating oil on canvas painting measuring 126cm x 151cm. This masterpiece is signed by the artist and holds a significant provenance, coming directly from the family of Mark Senior. Previously, it graced the collection of Mrs M.V. Hudson, the artist's daughter. The painting was exhibited at the 'Mark Senior 1862-1927' showcase at the Elizabethan Exhibition Gallery in Wakefield from 16th April to 2nd July 1983, where it was displayed as no. 8.
The Ives family, depicted in this artwork, was renowned for owning a Leeds worsted manufacturing firm. The artist, Mark Senior, showcased his talent in 1914 by exhibiting a portrait of Miss Gladys Ives at the National Portrait Society's annual exhibition. This historical context adds depth and significance to the portrayal of the Ives family on the tennis court.
Accompanying this remarkable painting is a copy of a photograph capturing the artist in the process of creating this very piece. Interestingly, the photograph reveals that two of the young girls in the painting were originally wearing hats, which were later omitted from the final artwork. Legend has it that the girls' mother, who commissioned the painting, requested the removal of the hats as they obscured the girls' faces. This anecdote adds a charming layer of history to the painting's creation.
Tennis was a recurring theme in Mark Senior's work, aligning him with other British Impressionists like Sir John Lavery. Notably, Senior's 'The Tennis Player' set a record auction price for the artist at Christie's on 15th July 2021, highlighting the enduring appeal and value of his sporting compositions.