Artwork
High Street, Southover, looking West
High Street, Southover, looking West is a watercolor work on paper by the British Romanticist artist Charles Knight. It dates from 1940 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
This watercolour shows a quiet street scene in Southover, Lewes. It was painted in 1940 by British artist Charles Knight. Knight focused on recording local buildings during World War Two.
The painting includes Anne of Cleves House, a historic building given to Anne after her marriage to Henry VIII ended. Knight made another view of this house too.
Check out more of Charles Knight’s work.
Overview
High Street, Southover, looking West is a 1940 watercolour by Charles Knight, depicting a tranquil street scene in Lewes.
Subject & Meaning
The painting centres on Anne of Cleves House, a historic building associated with Henry VIII's annulment of his marriage to Anne in 1541, and a significant local landmark.
History & Provenance
Produced as part of the 'Recording Britain' scheme during World War Two, the watercolour documents local architecture at a time of potential upheaval.
Context
Knight's work was part of a broader effort to record British topography during the war years, with the artist creating multiple views of notable sites, including another perspective on Anne of Cleves House.
Artist & collection
Artist
Charles Knight was a British landscape painter and stained-glass artist, best remembered for his watercolour paintings of the landscapes of Sussex.
The Southdown, Underhill Road: Westwards from Poynings
Regency Brighton: Houses in Russell Square, Sussex
Fields and Woods South of Ditchling
The County Hall and High Street, Lewes
The Southdown, Underhill Road; Wickhurst Barn near Poynings looking Westwards
Hangleton Manor, near Brighton
House and Shop in Pool Valley, Brighton
The Southdown, Underhill Road; Ditchling Beacon, from the Meadows near Westmeston
