Artwork
The Thames near Hurley
The Thames near Hurley is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Philip Hussey. It is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Created in 1940, this watercolour captures a bend of the River Thames near Hurley, where a large overhanging tree shades the water’s edge.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1940, this watercolour captures a bend of the River Thames near Hurley, where a large overhanging tree shades the water’s edge. The composition presents a tranquil riverside scene, with the river rendered in fluid, wavy strokes and a distant hillside dotted with trees. Small figures can be seen walking along the far bank, adding a hint of human presence to the natural setting.
Subject & Meaning
The painting records a specific stretch of the Thames, emphasizing the relationship between the river and its surrounding woodland. By focusing on the tree’s sprawling branches and the river’s gentle flow, the work conveys a sense of continuity in the English countryside, reflecting the desire to preserve familiar landscapes during a period of national upheaval.
Technique & Style
Executed in loose, sketch‑like watercolour washes, the piece relies on soft greens, blues and earthy browns. The artist employs rapid, wavy brushwork for the water and fluid, intertwining lines for the tree’s roots, creating a lively, almost spontaneous feel. The lack of hard edges and the overall fluidity suggest a quick, on‑site study rather than a highly finished studio piece.
History & Provenance
The work was produced under the Recording Britain scheme, a wartime project funded by the Pilgrim Trust and overseen by Sir Kenneth Clark. The initiative commissioned 97 artists to document England’s rural and architectural heritage, resulting in more than 1,500 works. This watercolour forms part of that collective effort to capture a changing landscape during the Second World War.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Philip Hussey (1713–1783), was an Irish portrait-painter. Hussey was born at Cloyne, in the county of Cork and his career began as a sailor. He was shipwrecked three times. He drew the figureheads and stern ornaments of…
