Artwork
Staircase of a former Inn, "The Plume of Feathers," Queen Street, Salisbury
Staircase of a former Inn, "The Plume of Feathers," Queen Street, Salisbury is a watercolor work on paper by Anna Lea Merritt. It is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
A watercolour painting created in 1942 by Merritt as part of the Recording Britain project, depicting the staircase of a former inn, 'The Plume of Feathers,' on Queen Street in Salisbury.
Subject & Meaning
The painting captures a wooden spiral staircase with a railing, set against warm beige brick walls, and adorned with a hanging lantern and potted plants, evoking a sense of warmth and coziness.
Technique & Style
Merritt's use of watercolour creates a delicate and subtle effect, with soft lighting and earthy tones contributing to the overall atmosphere of comfort and relaxation.
History & Provenance
Commissioned under a wartime scheme to document Britain's heritage, funded by the Pilgrim Trust and overseen by Sir Kenneth Clark, the work is now part of the Recording Britain collection.
Context
The painting reflects efforts to preserve scenes seen as part of a vanishing national identity amid wartime threats and social changes.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Anna Massey Lea Merritt (September 13, 1844 – April 7, 1930) was an American artist from Philadelphia who lived and worked in Great Britain for most of her life.
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