This charming pair of late 19th-century watercolours by British artist Hugh Nisbett depict picturesque rural views with tracks and timber-framed cottages.

In the first, titled 'Great Shefford, Bucks’, an older gentleman walks alongside his faithful dog towards a thatched cottage and mature tree. The light has been captured beautifully as it arrives from our right - partially illuminating the track. A long shadow falls to the gentleman’s left.

In the second, a view in Dovercourt, Essex, a pink cottage built in the vernacular style, stands nestled under trees. Again, the light has been handled adroitly.

Despite the artist’s obvious talents, there’s very little information on him. It’s possible it could be Hugh Massey More Nisbett (1857-1910) who was born to John More Nisbett, a landowner, and Lady Agnes Hamilton-Dalrymple. His brother was an artist who exhibited at the RSA and lived in Edinburgh. Hugh Massey More Nisbett moved to London and lived in Bayswater for a time. He also visited New Zealand.

Signed in the lower right and held within gilt frames.

Medium: Watercolour on paper
Overall size: 12” x 18” / 30cm x 46cm
Year of creation: c. 1880
Labels & Inscriptions: Inscribed on the mount with the artist’s name and title.
Provenance: Private collection, UK.
Condition: Assessed and approved by our conservator. Frame restored. Mounts with light marks and signs of age.
Our reference: BRV1528