This early 20th-century watercolour by British artist John Terris RSW (1865-1914) depicts a view of York Minster Cathedral.
As rickety carts trundle along busy streets, the misty form of York Minster towers like a behemoth. A gothic survivor looming in gentle tints and pointed architecture. From this vantage point, Terris captured the rooftops with smoke rising from chimneys, while also looking down upon the numerous figures scuttling about their day.
Terris was a precocious talent who began exhibiting at the age of 15. By 26, he’d exhibited at the Royal Academy and was elected to the Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolours. He was predominantly known for his large ambitious works, which included numerous street scenes, but he sadly died young, at the peak of his abilities.
Here, we see York rendered in a muted palette with the cathedral described in hazy tints.
Signed lower right and held within a later glazed frame.
Medium: Watercolour on paper
Overall size: 27½” x 38½” / 70cm x 98cm
Year of creation: c. 1905
Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £3,500
John Terris trained at the Birmingham School of Art. He exhibited widely, including at the Royal Academy, Royal Society of British Artists, Royal Scottish Academy, and the Venice Biennale.
Learn more about John Terris RSW 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 restore frames rather than replace them as many are original and selected by the artists themselves.
