Artwork

Barns at Frocester Court, Near Stonehouse

Barns at Frocester Court, Near Stonehouse, by Puller, watercolor
Barns at Frocester Court, Near Stonehouse, by Puller, watercolor

Barns at Frocester Court, Near Stonehouse is a watercolor work on paper by the Social Realist artist Puller. It is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Barns at Frocester Court, Near Stonehouse is a 1942 watercolour painting depicting a serene farm scene. At its center is a large stone barn with a steeply pitched roof, accompanied by smaller agricultural buildings. The foreground features two cows and a calf along a dirt track, with one cow facing the viewer.

Subject & Meaning

The painting captures a tranquil rural moment, emphasizing the everyday life of a farm. The scene conveys a sense of peace and continuity amidst the turmoil of wartime, reflecting the broader goal of documenting endangered aspects of British landscape and tradition.

Technique & Style

Executed in soft, muted tones (light browns, grays, and greens) against a pale sky, the work features loose, watery brushstrokes. This approach maintains simplicity and calmness, with the cows blending into the earthy palette to enhance the overall serenity of the composition.

History & Provenance

Created in 1942, this watercolour is part of the 'Recording Britain' collection. Initiated during WWII, this project, funded by the Pilgrim Trust and led by Sir Kenneth Clark, aimed to preserve a visual record of Britain’s threatened landscapes and rural ways of life.

Context

The painting's creation was influenced by the wartime concern to document and preserve traditional British landscapes and rural life, perceived as under threat from both the conflict and modernisation.

Legacy

As part of the 'Recording Britain' collection, the painting contributes to a significant archival effort of its time. Its style and subject matter also place it within a broader tradition of British watercolour landscape painting focused on rural themes.

Artist & collection

Artist

Puller

Puller (1799–1886) was an artist.