Who painted View down the Flags, Runswick Bay?

View down the Flags, Runswick Bay was painted by John Cooper in 1940.

Where can I see View down the Flags, Runswick Bay?

View down the Flags, Runswick Bay is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

Artwork

View down the Flags, Runswick Bay

John Cooper , 1940

View down the Flags, Runswick Bay 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

View down the Flags, Runswick Bay is a 1940 watercolour depicting a steep hillside in Runswick Bay lined with closely arranged cottages, with the sea faintly visible in the background.

Subject & Meaning

The work captures a traditional British landscape at a time of national upheaval during the Second World War, reflecting an effort to document and preserve perceived aspects of vanishing national identity.

Technique & Style

Characterized by loose, watery strokes and muted colours (whites, grays, soft browns, with a hint of blue), the piece features rough, quick brushwork, with some areas left almost blank to emphasize the cottages' shapes.

History & Provenance

Created as part of the 'Recording Britain' project, funded by the Pilgrim Trust and led by Sir Kenneth Clark, this watercolour also served to support British artists and traditional art forms during wartime.

Artist & collection

Artist

John Cooper

John Cooper specialized in quiet watercolor views of northern England from the 1940s.

Museum

Victoria and Albert Museum

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