This late 19th-century watercolour by British artist George Lowthian Hall (1825-1888) depicts a radiant view of Anstey Cove in Torquay, Devon.
At the height of Summer, the crystal clear waters and brilliant blue sky seem distinctly Mediterranean. Yet this is Torquay in 1871, peppered with grazing sheep and distant sailboats. Referred to as ‘the English Riviera’, Torquay has long been popular with visitors. The Victorians loved its sandy beaches, brisk sea air, and entertainment.
Hall was a keen traveller, spending several years in Brazil, where he married his wife, Emma. One can imagine him drawn to warmer climes. His composition here is particularly masterful with the light illuminating the jagged facade of the cliffs, while the foreground is rendered in shade. A solitary figure strolls between trees.
Signed/dated lower left, framed and glazed.
Medium: Watercolour on paper
Overall size: 32½” x 23½” / 83cm x 60cm
Year of creation: 1871
Labels & Inscriptions: Gallery label from S Coombes on the reverse with an address of 175, Strand, WC2. Samuel Coombes occupied this address from 1882.
Provenance: Private collection, England.
Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £1,300
George Lothian Hall was an accomplished British landscape painter working predominantly in watercolours. He’s represented at the British Museum, V&A, and Yale Center for British Art.
Learn more about George Lowthian Hall 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.
