This watercolour dates from Rowntree's time at Great Bardfield in north-west Essex and depicts a summer garden with the Essex countryside in the distance.

A corner of a cushion on the window sill directs our gaze into the orchard which suggests that the orchard and garden are part of the interior space. Rowntree was an Official War Artist during the Second World War engaged in the 'Recording Britain' scheme to record British national heritage, both the natural and built environment, in case of loss through enemy action.

Provenance

Auction, 2004; private collector; Liss Fine Art.


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