This charming early 20th-century English School oil painting depicts the Cannon Brewery at North End, Fulham, owned by John Lovibond & Sons Ltd.
Founded in 1867, the brewery was built in the grounds of its founder’s house, the experienced ‘maltster’, Henry Lovibond. From left to right, it comprised a copper house, the brew house tower, with a liquor tank, and a fermenting house. As we see here, leading up to the brewery was a track for steam locomotives - convenient for loading outside of the building.
In 1901, it was acquired by John Lovibond & Sons Ltd, and it’s conceivable that this piece was commissioned to mark its new ownership. Unfortunately, it was wound up in 1909 and the building became a depot and pie factory.
Stylistically, the work was probably produced by a local artist. With its combination of striking linear perspective and naively drawn figures, it’s a little ‘Lowry-esque’.
Held in a later frame.
Medium
Oil on canvas
Overall size
34” x 20” / 86cm x 51cm
Year of creation
c. 1901
Provenance
Private collection, UK.
Conservation
Professionally conserved, including careful cleaning to reveal the painting’s true colouring and remove accumulated surface grime that can be harmful over time. A protective layer of conservation varnish has also been applied. The paint layer is stable.
Condition
Very presentable for its age. Canvas relined. Faint stretcher mark. Frame showing some minor marks and wear consistent with age and use.
Our reference
BRV1793
