Frederick Richard Lee was born in Barnstaple in 1798, and studied painting at the Royal Academy Schools in London.

He became a successful painter of landscapes, producing his sketches and smaller works by observing directly from nature. He was elected a Royal Academician in 1838.

This painting shows a view of Barnstaple, featuring the Long Bridge with the spire of the parish church and the tower of Pilton church visible in the townscape. The picture is not signed, but its style and subject matter strongly suggest it is by Lee, who returned to live in his home town in 1858.

Provenance

Private collection in Bristol; sold 2017.


Back to top