Artwork

West view of the choir of St. Saviour, Southwark

West view of the choir of St. Saviour, Southwark, by Whichelo, 1800
West view of the choir of St. Saviour, Southwark, by Whichelo, 1800

West view of the choir of St. Saviour, Southwark is a drawing by the Romanticist artist Whichelo. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This 1800 colour drawing by Whichelo captures the west view of the choir at St. Saviour’s Church, Southwark, presenting a detailed interior scene.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing focuses on the ornate interior of St. Saviour’s choir, highlighting its architectural features—stone carvings, wooden pews, and a prominent chandelier—while a group near the altar subtly introduces human presence amidst the serene religious space.

Technique & Style

The work exhibits meticulous detail and realism, suggestive of techniques like cross-hatching or stippling, aligning with the attention to detail characteristic of certain late 18th-century artistic approaches.

History & Provenance

Created in 1800 by Whichelo, specific provenance details are not provided, though the work offers a historical glimpse into the church’s interior during that period.

Context

While the drawing’s style does not fully embody the expressive emotional depth of Romanticism, its detailed rendering reflects a contemporary interest in capturing realistic, everyday scenes and architectural accuracy.

Legacy

The drawing serves primarily as a historical record of St. Saviour’s Church’s interior at the turn of the 19th century, with its artistic significance lying in its meticulous documentation rather than innovative style.

Artist & collection

Artist

Whichelo

This British draftsman turned his eye to London’s old churches in the early 1800s.