Artwork
Ashberry Bridge (South side), Rievaulx
Ashberry Bridge (South side), Rievaulx is a watercolor work on paper by John Cooper. It dates from 1940 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This watercolour painting, created by John Cooper in 1940, is part of the Recording Britain collection. It depicts a serene scene of Ashberry Bridge near Rievaulx, showcasing the artist's use of loose brushstrokes to capture the natural beauty of the area.
Subject & Meaning
The painting features Ashberry Bridge spanning the River Wye, with a temple folly visible on Rievaulx Terrace in the background. The scene is characterized by bare trees with a few remaining red leaves, and the bridge's dark arches reflected in the light water.
Technique & Style
Cooper's watercolour is executed in a loose, expressive style, with quick brushstrokes conveying the movement and light of the scene. The warm, earthy tones used for the hills in the background add depth and atmosphere to the painting.
History & Provenance
The painting was produced as part of the Recording Britain project, a wartime initiative aimed at documenting culturally significant landscapes in England. It is now held in the Recording Britain collection, alongside works by other notable artists.
Context
The Recording Britain project was funded by the Pilgrim Trust and directed by Sir Kenneth Clark, reflecting a broader effort to preserve the country's cultural heritage during a time of war and modernization.
Artist & collection
Artist
John Cooper specialized in quiet watercolor views of northern England from the 1940s.
