Artwork
The Duck House in the Park of Buckland House near Faringdon
The Duck House in the Park of Buckland House near Faringdon is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Piper. It dates from 1940 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
The Duck House in the Park of Buckland House near Faringdon is a watercolour by John Piper, created in 1940.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts the Duck House, a folly in the grounds of Buckland House, featuring an arched structure and pediment. The work documents a specific aspect of the British landscape during a time of potential change.
Technique & Style
Piper's watercolour is characterized by loose, rapid strokes and a focus on capturing the weathered appearance of the building. The artist's use of light lines and smudgy clouds conveys a sense of immediacy.
History & Provenance
The watercolour was commissioned as part of the Recording Britain project, led by Sir Kenneth Clark, which aimed to preserve a record of places and traditions vulnerable to wartime destruction.
Context
The work is one of over 1,500 produced by 97 artists under the Recording Britain project, documenting various aspects of the British landscape during the Second World War.
Artist & collection
Artist
A 1940s British artist known for delicate watercolours of country houses, churches, and riverside views, Piper captured quiet corners of England in soft washes and fine lines.
A House, Maidenhead
The river approach, Fawley Court
Interior of St. Peter's Church, Gayhurst
The Ruined Temple of Friendship in the Grounds at Stowe
Congreve Monument (designed by Wm. Kent) and Shell Grotto, Stowe
The Tunnel in the grounds of Buckland House, near Faringdon
Dashwood Mausoleum, West Wycombe
Exterior of the Church of St. Denis, Faxton
The Temple of British Worthies, Stowe, Gloucestershire
Entrance screen, Tyringham
Dashwood Mausoleum West Wycombe, with road to High Wycombe
Gateway to Kitchen Court, Eastbury Park, Nr.Blandford
Dashwood Mausoleum, West Wycombe
The Inigo Jones Gate, Chiswick House
Norman doorway of St. Mary's Church, Thetford, Suffolk