This charming late 19th-century watercolour by British artist E Wood depicts a beautiful 15th/16th century farmhouse near Godalming in Surrey, England.

As chickens rummage for food amid the verdant grass, sunlight illuminates the splendid timber-framed form of a substantial historic farmhouse. A stone wall attached to a wooden porch leads to a five-bar gate. A local, perhaps a farmer, leans to open it.

The artist E Wood is surprisingly not mentioned in the various directories despite their evident skill. The quality of the draughtsmanship is particularly reminiscent of Helen Allingham RWS (1848-1926) who is well admired for her depictions of picturesque buildings in Surrey. It’s likely the two crossed paths.

Signed in the lower right and held within a later frame. Glazed.

Medium: Watercolour on paper
Overall size: 18½” x 14½” / 47cm x 37cm
Year of creation: c. 1880
Labels & Inscriptions: Inscribed with title on reverse (under frame).
Provenance: Private collection, England.
Condition: Assessed and approved by our conservator. Frame with various scuffs and abrasions.
Our reference: BRV1799