Art Funded by you

The Private View, 1881

William Powell Frith, 1882

The artist William Powell Frith was the greatest chronicler of the Victorian age, famous for his ‘modern life’ panoramas. The artist lived in Harrogate and the gallery holds a collection 25 works by Frith, including two other ArtFunded works - Many Happy Returns of the Day and Portrait of Annie Gambart. This large oil sketch adds an important dimension to the Mercer’s collection, because not only does it relate to one of his masterworks, it also defines Frith’s position as an art establishment figure and critic of Aestheticism. Furthermore, the work tells us about the artist’s working methods. Frith does not attempt to give the work a finished look; instead he leaves his sketch as a fascinating record of his creative process.

More information

Title of artwork, date

The Private View, 1881, 1882

Date supported

2008

Medium and material

Oil on canvas

Dimensions

60 x 114 cm

Grant

73923

Total cost

139250

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

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