Artwork

Horse Bus, Malvern

Horse Bus, Malvern, by Raymond Teague Cowern, watercolor, 1940
Horse Bus, Malvern, by Raymond Teague Cowern, watercolor, 1940

Horse Bus, Malvern is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Raymond Teague Cowern. It dates from 1940 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Horse Bus, Malvern is a 1940 watercolour by Raymond Teague Cowern, created under the Recording Britain project. The piece captures a moment of rural life, depicting a horse-drawn bus in Malvern.

Subject & Meaning

The artwork portrays a horse-drawn bus, likely used for short local trips, as indicated by the 'RAILWAY' marking. It reflects the rural and small-town character of Britain during wartime, preserving a snapshot of pre-mechanized transportation.

Technique & Style

Cowern employed light pencil lines and soft watercolour washes, resulting in a loose, sketchy appearance. The quick, spontaneous execution suggests the piece may have been rapidly sketched from observation.

History & Provenance

Commissioned by the Committee for the Employment of Artists in Wartime and funded by the Pilgrim Trust, this work is one of over 1,500 created by 97 artists under the Recording Britain project (1940-1943).

Context

Part of a broader topographical recording effort, Horse Bus, Malvern aimed to preserve Britain’s cultural and physical landscape amidst wartime threats and societal upheaval.

Artist & collection

Artist

Raymond Teague Cowern

Raymond Teague Cowern painted quiet watercolors of mid-century Worcestershire life during the Second World War.