Anon. St Niklaus, Mattertal Valley, Valais, Switzerland

From Wiltshire to the Swiss Alps: Victorian Watercolours 1863–71

This picture forms part of a charming collection of watercolours by an anonymous British hand, dated 1863–71. The artist was likely one of the large number of genteel Victorian women who devoted their leisure time to the art of watercolour painting. Our artist travelled to popular tourist sites of the 19th century, capturing picturesque views with particular delicacy and charm.

Travels to Switzerland in 1863 take in Zurich, Ouchy, Lucerne, Berne, Interlacken, Zermatt and the Matterhorn. Returning to Switzerland again in 1868, they also visit the Northern Italian Lakes, Maggiore, Como and Orta.

There are also views at popular tourist sites in the UK, including Betws-y-Coed in North Wales, Killiecrankie in Scotland, in the Lake District and at Matlock. Other subjects are lesser known sites in the Corsham area of Wiltshire, suggesting the artist was perhaps resident here—including Whitley Farm near Melksham, Jaggards House at Neston, Wadswick Farm near Corsham, and Chapel Plaister and Hazelbury near Box.