This early 20th-century oil painting by British artist Benjamin Williams Leader RA (1831-1923) depicts a bright coastal view with sand dunes.
As a light breeze drifts across the shifting dunes, he stands to sketch the breakers. The tide retreating under a sky abundant with passing clouds. In the distance, via a patch of incandescent reflections, the undulant coastline fades into a blueish haze. The joy of a lazy Summer on the tranquil British coast captured by a masterful hand.
Leader often sojourned to the sandy beaches of Wales and South-West England - seemingly captivated by these sun-drenched environments. Intriguing, many of his coastal works are devoid of all activity with figures only included on occasion. So perhaps he ventured here in search of peace and solitude.
Signed in the lower left and held within a beautiful gilt frame, which is probably original.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 25” x 19” / 64cm x 48cm
Year of creation: c. 1900
Condition: Artwork presents well. Fine craquelure but the paint is stable. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £145,000
Benjamin Williams Leader trained at Royal Academy Schools. He exhibited extensively including at the Royal Academy for 68 consecutive years. He’s represented at the V&A, Tate Gallery in London, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, and the Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum, which holds a particularly large collection.
Learn more about Benjamin Williams Leader in our directory.
We care profoundly about our role as custodians and every piece in the collection has been assessed by our conservator. When required, we undertake professional restoration carefully using reversible techniques and adopt a light touch to retain the aged charm of each work. We also often restore frames rather than replace them as many are original and selected by the artists themselves.
