Artwork
Old Silk Mill Tower and Lane, Derby (after Edwin Ellis)
Old Silk Mill Tower and Lane, Derby (after Edwin Ellis) is an oil painting by William Caxton Keene. It dates from 1892 and is held in the collection of the Derby Museum and Art Gallery.
About this work
Overview
Old Silk Mill Tower and Lane, Derby (after Edwin Ellis) is an oil painting by William Caxton Keene, dated circa 1892, currently housed at the Derby Museum and Art Gallery.
Subject & Meaning
The painting portrays a serene everyday scene in Derby, focusing on the historic Old Silk Mill Tower, a red brick structure with a tower, weather vane, and multiple windows, set against a clear blue sky. Two figures walk down a nearby lane, flanked by trees, capturing a quiet moment of daily life.
Technique & Style
The work employs warm colors and soft brushstrokes, evoking a sense of calm and tranquility. Its style aligns with traditions of capturing mundane, peaceful scenes, characteristic of artists like Keene.
History & Provenance
Created around 1892 by William Caxton Keene, the painting is now part of the Derby Museum and Art Gallery's collection. The title 'after Edwin Ellis' suggests it may be based on or inspired by a work by Ellis.
Context
The painting reflects late 19th-century interests in depicting local, everyday life and industrial heritage (the Old Silk Mill) in a positive, serene light.
Legacy
While specific lasting impacts or widespread recognition of this piece are not prominently documented, it contributes to the broader legacy of artists capturing quiet, domestic scenes of their time.
Artist & collection
