This charming mid-20th-century oil painting by British artist Owen Bowen ROI (1873-1967) depicts a wintery snow-covered view in Lower Wharfdale, Yorkshire.
In all conditions, regardless of the brutality of the elements, Bowen’s works are joyous. Here, amid the bitter ice and ankle deep crunch of snow, the barren trees stretch like welcoming old companions. The river, near frozen, winds gently in a soft array of impressionistic marks. There’s no worry here in picturesque Lower Wharfdale. He’s thriving like a buoyant child clambering to launch the first snowball.
He knew this area well, returning to the Yorkshire Dales time and time again. A mere 30 minutes from his home near Wetherby.
Bowen was a rare kind of artist who possessed abundant natural talent and never wavered from his approach or style. He continued to work into his 90s, still blessed with a sense of youthful exuberance. He was around 84 when he produced this piece, let’s hope he took a blanket.
Signed lower left and held within an ornate swept frame with pierced centres and corners. It was shown at the 64th Spring Exhibition of Modern British Painting and Sculpture at the City of Bradford Art Gallery in April 1957. Incidentally, when a young David Hockney was studying at Bradford. Perhaps he popped in.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 28½” x 25” / 73cm x 63cm
Year of creation: c. 1957
Labels & Inscriptions: Label from the Exhibition of Modern British Painting and Sculpture at the City of Bradford Art Gallery 1957. Plus a further gallery label with title and artist’s address.
Condition: Artwork presents well. Fine craquelure but the paint is stable. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £6,600
Owen Bowen trained at the Leeds School of Art under William Gilbert Foster. He exhibited extensively including at the Walker Art Gallery, Royal Academy and the The Royal Institute of Oil Painters. He’s represented at various museums including at Leeds, Harrogate, Kirklees and Bradford among others.
Learn more about Owen Bowen 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.
