
This work shows a traditionally built Surrey cottage with a woman working in the garden and three girls picking lilacs on the verge of a country lane. Geese feed on the common, with wooded hills rising behind. It is a vision of picturesque and contented country life. The artist's connection with Surrey began when he bought a country cottage in Witley, in the early 1860s. He quickly decided to make his home there and designed his new house, The Hill, himself. The scenes of country life around his home inspired Birket Foster's watercolours.
More information
Title of artwork, date
Gathering Lilac, c. 1865
Date supported
2004
Medium and material
Watercolour
Dimensions
23 x 33.2 cm
Grant
10200
Total cost
27000

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