Who painted Design for The English Country House?

Design for The English Country House was painted by Brian Cook in 1935.

Where can I see Design for The English Country House?

Design for The English Country House is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Design for The English Country House?

Design for The English Country House is associated with Arts and Crafts movement.

Artwork

Design for The English Country House

Brian Cook , 1935

Design for The English Country House is a watercolor work on paper by the Arts and Crafts movement artist Brian Cook. It dates from 1935 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This watercolour design, created by Brian Cook in 1935, served as the book jacket for 'The English Country House', a volume in the 'British Heritage' series.

Subject & Meaning

The artwork depicts Owlpen Manor in Gloucestershire, a structure featured in the book. The scene is framed by trees and features a yellow house with red-tiled roofs, set behind a decorative metal gate.

Technique & Style

Cook employed loose, bright colours to evoke a sense of light and space, creating a sketch-like effect. The decorative gate adds an element of elegance, while the trees partially obscure the view.

History & Provenance

The design was later exhibited at the Michael Parkin Gallery in 1987 as part of a tribute to Cook. It is signed 'BRIAN COOK. b.1'.

Artist & collection

Artist

Brian Cook

Brian Cook worked like a stage designer who never left his kitchen table, sketching the perfect English manor at breakfast and rearranging the furniture by lunch.