Who painted Burley-on-the-Hill?

Burley-on-the-Hill was painted by Barbara Jones in 1943.

Where can I see Burley-on-the-Hill?

Burley-on-the-Hill is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

Artwork

Burley-on-the-Hill

Barbara Jones , 1943

Burley-on-the-Hill is a watercolor work on paper by Barbara Jones. It dates from 1943 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Barbara Jones's 1943 watercolour, 'Burley-on-the-Hill', captures the grand, symmetrical facade of Burley-on-the-Hill House, emphasizing its colonnades, tall windows, and central staircase. Executed in soft, muted tones with loose brushstrokes, the work conveys a sense of calm serenity.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Burley-on-the-Hill House, is portrayed with architectural precision, highlighting its classical features. As part of 'Recording Britain', the piece aimed to document threatened British heritage sites during WWII, underscoring the house's cultural significance amidst wartime uncertainty.

Technique & Style

Jones employed characteristic watercolour techniques: loose brushstrokes, muted palette, and subtle suggestions of light and shadow. These choices maintain focus on the architecture while evoking a soft, faded ambiance, reminiscent of a quiet afternoon.

History & Provenance

Commissioned under the 'Recording Britain' project (1940-1943), funded by the Pilgrim Trust and led by Sir Kenneth Clark, 'Burley-on-the-Hill' is one of over 1,500 topographical watercolours created by 97 artists to preserve images of England's endangered landscapes and buildings.

Artist & collection

Artist

Barbara Jones

Barbara Mildred Jones (25 December 1912 – 28 August 1978) was an English artist, writer and mural painter. She is known for curating the exhibition Black Eyes and Lemonade (1951) and her book The Unsophisticated Arts (1951).

Museum

Victoria and Albert Museum

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