Artwork
Drawing of a parcel of records in the Old Record Office
Drawing of a parcel of records in the Old Record Office is a drawing by Henry Cole. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This 1850 watercolour drawing by Henry Cole presents a bundle of aged legal documents.
Subject & Meaning
The work depicts a disorganized pile of worn, yellowed papers, some with illegible writing, conveying a sense of neglect and abandonment.
Technique & Style
The earthy background tone enhances the impression of age and decay, while the loose, haphazard arrangement of papers suggests a lack of care or attention.
History & Provenance
Created by Henry Cole in 1850, the drawing is a representation of the state of records in the Old Record Office.
Artist & collection
Artist
Henry Cole drew what he saw in mid-1800s Britain. Try his pencil sketch *From Window in Stamford Street, Blackfriars* (1828), a quiet city view over rooftops, or *From the Mill, Chilham* (1846), a riverside mill caught…
