Who painted The Locks on Grand Union Canal at Brentford Bridge?

The Locks on Grand Union Canal at Brentford Bridge was painted by Archibald Standish Hartrick in 1940.

Where can I see The Locks on Grand Union Canal at Brentford Bridge?

The Locks on Grand Union Canal at Brentford Bridge is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is The Locks on Grand Union Canal at Brentford Bridge?

The Locks on Grand Union Canal at Brentford Bridge is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

The Locks on Grand Union Canal at Brentford Bridge

Archibald Standish Hartrick , 1940

The Locks on Grand Union Canal at Brentford Bridge is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Archibald Standish Hartrick. It dates from 1940 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

The Locks on Grand Union Canal at Brentford Bridge is a 1940 watercolour by Archibald Standish Hartrick, created under the Recording Britain project, which aimed to document Britain's landscapes during World War II.

Subject & Meaning

The artwork depicts a serene scene of the Grand Union Canal near Brentford Bridge, featuring boats, a few pedestrians, a horse, and surrounding simple architecture. It embodies the project's goal of capturing everyday British life and national identity amidst wartime.

Technique & Style

Hartrick employed soft, light colours and loose brushstrokes, imparting a sketchy, spontaneous feel. The calm water, with subtle ripples near the boats, reflects the artist's emphasis on capturing a quiet, everyday moment.

History & Provenance

Commissioned by the Recording Britain project, funded by the Pilgrim Trust, this work is part of a collection of over 1,500 pieces by 97 artists, documenting wartime and broader landscape changes in Britain.

Context

Created in 1940, the piece reflects the project's wartime context, where documenting national heritage and everyday life served as a form of cultural preservation.

Legacy

As part of the Recording Britain collection, the watercolour contributes to a significant archival record of Britain's landscape during WWII, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural and national identity under threat.