Artwork
The Dome of Queen's College, Oxford
The Dome of Queen's College, Oxford is a watercolor work on paper by Walter Bayes. It dates from 1940 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
The Dome of Queen's College, Oxford is a watercolour painting created by Walter Bayes in 1940. It depicts the dome above the entrance archway of Queen's College, Oxford.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows the white dome with columns and a statue inside, accompanied by a flagpole on the right. The work captures the architectural details of the dome, conveying a sense of the college's identity.
Technique & Style
Executed in watercolour, the painting features soft, gray and blue hues that convey light and shadow. The sketchy style allows the details of the dome and statue to remain discernible.
History & Provenance
The painting was produced as part of the 'Recording Britain' project, a wartime initiative led by Sir Kenneth Clark to document Britain's architecture and landscape.
Context
Created between 1940 and 1943, the work is one of over 1,500 produced by 97 artists under the 'Recording Britain' scheme, aiming to preserve a sense of national identity amid wartime threats.
Artist & collection
Artist
Walter John Bayes was an English painter and illustrator who was a founder member of both the Camden Town Group and the London Group and also a renowned art teacher and critic.
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