Who painted Pews in St Mary's Church, Whitby?

Pews in St Mary's Church, Whitby was painted by Kenneth Rowntree in 1940.

Where can I see Pews in St Mary's Church, Whitby?

Pews in St Mary's Church, Whitby is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Pews in St Mary's Church, Whitby?

Pews in St Mary's Church, Whitby is associated with British Romanticism.

Artwork

Pews in St Mary's Church, Whitby

Kenneth Rowntree , 1940

Pews in St Mary's Church, Whitby is a watercolor work on paper by the British Romanticist artist Kenneth Rowntree. It dates from 1940 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This watercolour painting depicts the interior of St Mary's Church in Whitby, created in 1940 as part of the 'Recording Britain' project.

About this work

Overview

This watercolour painting depicts the interior of St Mary's Church in Whitby, created in 1940 as part of the 'Recording Britain' project.

Subject & Meaning

The work shows the church's wooden pews, tombstones, and architectural features, capturing a moment in the history of this heritage site.

Technique & Style

The artist employed muted colours to convey a sense of calm, with light from the windows casting a warm glow on the pews and a prominent pillar, creating depth and dimension.

History & Provenance

The painting was produced under the 'Recording Britain' scheme, led by Sir Kenneth Clark, which aimed to document aspects of British heritage threatened by wartime changes.

Context

It is one of over 1,500 works by 97 artists created as part of this initiative to preserve scenes of national identity.

Artist & collection

Artist

Kenneth Rowntree

Kenneth Rowntree painted quiet British places in watercolour around 1940, from barn-stacked Essex fields to the carved oak pews of Caernarvonshire chapels.