Naive School Bridge, Possibly River Frome near Hambrook

Topography of the South West: Naive School Watercolours 1850s

This watercolour is one of a charming collection of mid-19th-century works that we have for sale by the same hand. The paintings are a fascinating record of landscapes in southwest England and south Wales at this time. The collection includes views on the Avon near Bristol, at Rownham Ferry, Crew's Hole and Hambrook, and at Horfield Common and Fishponds, showing the decidedly rural topography around Bristol in the 1850s. Other views include coastal landscapes at Portishead and Clevedon west of Bristol, Exmouth and Weymouth on the south coast, and at Swansea, Gower and Milford Haven in south Wales. The views nevertheless show glimpses of industry, the 'copper mine' at Saltford, Hambrook mill and Bristol Tar Works, and they evidence the popularity of seaside recreation and the ubiquitous Victorian bathing machine.

The watercolours are full of jostling detail—animals, figures, small houses, boats—which brings the landscapes characterfully to life. Their naive style captures this sense of life with an appealing frankness and authenticity. The paintings are a reflection of Victorian genteel society: our artist clearly had the means and leisure time to travel and paint. One of the paintings shows what appears to be a Rectory; it seems likely that our artist was female, quite possibly the daughter or wife of a curate.