Study of a fireplace, a writing desk and a rush-seated ladderback chair

Executed as a preliminary study for a larger work, this watercolour showcases Clark's method of first creating detailed drawings and then expressive, quick watercolour sketches to capture his subjects accurately.

Created in the late 19th or early 20th century, this work precedes Clark's more renowned oil paintings of children, which were regularly exhibited at the Royal Academy and well-received by the Victorian public.

Similar works by Clark can be found in collections like the Victoria and Albert Museum, which holds examples of Victorian-era domestic and artistic practices.