Artwork

Ham Street - the river end

Ham Street - the river end, by John Sanderson Sanderson-Wells, watercolor, 1940
Ham Street - the river end, by John Sanderson Sanderson-Wells, watercolor, 1940

Ham Street - the river end is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist John Sanderson Sanderson-Wells. It dates from 1940 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Ham Street - the river end is a 1940 watercolour by John Sanderson-Wells, capturing a serene winter scene along a riverbank. The piece features a small house, a lone figure, and bare trees set against a pale sky, all rendered in loose, expressive strokes.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a rural, snowy landscape with a house, figure, and riverbank. Created under the 'Recording Britain' scheme, it aimed to document British landscapes and national identity during wartime, preserving traditional rural life amidst threats of change.

Technique & Style

The watercolour employs loose, quick strokes, almost scribble-like, to evoke light and shadows. This approach conveys a sense of spontaneity, suggesting the work may have been a rapid sketch rather than a meticulously polished piece.

History & Provenance

Part of the 'Recording Britain' collection, funded by the Pilgrim Trust and overseen by Sir Kenneth Clark, this work was one of over 1,500 pieces by 97 artists. It is signed and dated 1940 by the artist.

Artist & collection