Artwork
Reculver
Reculver is a watercolor work on paper by Hardie. It dates from 1940 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Reculver is a watercolour painting by Robin Wallace Hardie, depicting a serene landscape scene.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows a rural view looking towards the coastal town of Reculver, with the towers of St. Mary's Abbey visible on the horizon. The scene is characterized by open fields, a winding dirt road, and a few small houses.
Technique & Style
Hardie's use of soft, light strokes and muted colours creates a simple and airy atmosphere, capturing the calmness of the countryside.
History & Provenance
The painting was part of the 'Recording Britain' collection, a wartime project from 1940 to 1943 that documented the British landscape and cultural heritage.
Context
The 'Recording Britain' initiative, funded by the Pilgrim Trust and overseen by Sir Kenneth Clark, aimed to preserve scenes perceived as threatened by war and urbanization.
Artist & collection
Artist
Hardie painted watercolours of quiet corners in 1930s and 1940s England, usually coastal or village scenes with buildings and daily life.
Landscape with Farm and Fields in Flat Country
Church and Pigs Lee, Walmersley
Cavendish
Sheriff Hutton; view over the plain of York, with York Minster in the distance
Landscape with road in flat country
The Southdown, Underhill Road; Clayton Village
Landscape with evening effect, Abinger, Surrey
Bow Brickhill, Bletchley, Buckinghamshire
Wiverton Church, from Clay
Ely Cathedral
Sarratt
Landscape near Sidmouth, with cottages surrounded by fields and woods