Who painted Old Houses, Cheadle?

Old Houses, Cheadle was painted by Cheek in 1943.

Where can I see Old Houses, Cheadle?

Old Houses, Cheadle is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Old Houses, Cheadle?

Old Houses, Cheadle is associated with Social Realism.

Artwork

Old Houses, Cheadle

Cheek , 1943

Old Houses, Cheadle is a watercolor work on paper by the Social Realist artist Cheek. It dates from 1943 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Old Houses, Cheadle is a 1943 watercolour by Cheek, capturing a serene street scene of traditional timber-framed buildings with a church spire in the background.

Subject & Meaning

The painting focuses on preserving a perceived vanishing aspect of British national identity through its depiction of old, half-timbered houses and a church, evoking a sense of quiet tranquility.

Technique & Style

Cheek employed muted watercolour hues to convey warmth, particularly through glowing windows, against the backdrop of steeply pitched roofs and intricate black-and-white timber framing.

History & Provenance

Created between 1940-1943, this work is part of the 'Recording Britain' collection, a Pilgrim Trust-funded project directed by Sir Kenneth Clark, aiming to document British architecture during wartime.

Context

Commissioned amidst wartime concerns over losing traditional British landscapes and architecture, the piece reflects the initiative's goal to capture and preserve such scenes.

Legacy

As part of 'Recording Britain', Old Houses, Cheadle contributes to a broader archival record of Britain's wartime architectural heritage, though the artist's individual impact remains defined by the project's collective scope.