Artwork
Bishop's Palace, Exeter
Bishop's Palace, Exeter is a watercolor work on paper by Longley. It dates from 1940 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Bishop's Palace, Exeter is a 1940 watercolour by Longley, signed and dated. It depicts Exeter's medieval Bishop's Palace with Exeter Cathedral behind.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows the Bishop's Palace and Exeter Cathedral, capturing the architectural heritage of the area. The scene is framed by trees and rendered in soft, muted colours, conveying a serene atmosphere.
Technique & Style
The watercolour features loose, sketchy lines and a light wash, with pale blues and greens blending into the background. The artist's technique effectively captures the play of light on the stone buildings.
History & Provenance
The work was created as part of the Recording Britain project, a wartime initiative to document sites of national significance in England. The project was funded by the Pilgrim Trust and directed by Sir Kenneth Clark.
Context
The Recording Britain project aimed to preserve images of places at risk from bombing, invasion, or rapid change during the early 1940s, reflecting concerns over urban expansion and rural decline.
Artist & collection
Artist
A watercolour artist active around 1940, Longley painted quiet English landmarks in soft washes.
The Vicars' Close, Wells
The Green and Church, Calne
The Church and Noble Street, Sherston
Walberswick Church, Suffolk
Bridgnorth
Winchester Cathedral: entrance to the Deanery from the south
Corner of the Sheldonian, Oxford
Lych Gate, Bray
Ely
Part of the exterior of East Bergholt Church: the north side
Church Porch and Manor, Avebury
The Bishops' Palace, Buckden