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Thanks wintonian - As I had completed, obviously had helot but was assuming Spartasian or Spartasean (which could not find as Spartan would be the obvious word for 'inhabitant of'). Your answer (adjustment to 2nd word) fits nicely.

As usual, one last one. 39a, i have what looks like the last word being the definition but with an l in the middle instead of an n in what appears to be the common spelling.

Could someone please confirm that the l is correct? The wordplay seems absolutely concrete but I can't find [group] + [anag] anywhere, think I'm being my usual last-stretch stupid...

I tell a lie, there's 15a too but I haven't the foggiest on that one, strong hints appreciated!

Hi wigwam. You’re right with the L instead of N for 39a. First four letters = group. Then anagram of solo with E and N (initials). You need to add three letters to the penultimate word to make the definition more specific (check your chambers definition).

I struggled (ie failed!) to fully parse 15a too so will await further responses with interest. Ar = letter? AUT = agency? Re = with reference to. Not sure about the T and penned though. Sorry.

in 39a but is really butTON and yes last word is defn
No i in it .... middle letters are
15a clue answer is 3,5 then lose the last 2
it's an art term coined by Michel Tapie

Thank you for confirming 39a, I was already about 99% sure but always require assurance.

15 I had art = agency, possibly re/on for with reference to, but stumped at the 'au' completely and no clue how anything might add up to an answer would be interested if anyone's got a concrete solution as well.

It's not a term I've come across due to a very very minimal knowledge of art, so thank you for very much for getting me over the final hurdle!

15a the letter is tau surrounded by art (agency) and re (reference to).

I've enjoyed Malva's previous efforts, but this was dreadful. Like most people it seems I had no idea what was going on even with a full grid, had about 10 I couldn't parse.

Had the creature but the leap to get to the two birds seems to me to be too obscure.

Poor end to what has been a generally strong year I think.

Thanks very much smartie

Just for completeness, can anyone help with parsing of the EGRE(SS) clue, please?