Frederick Henry Townsend ARE (1868-1920) - 1912 Watercolour Barn Gathering

Description

A monochrome watercolour with body colour depicting figures gathered in a barn, possibly after a wedding. Presented glazed in a clean white mount and a thin black wooden frame with gold detailing. Signed and dated to the lower-left edge. On wove.

Condition

The condition is typical for a picture of this age including some mild foxing and discolouration. Overall well-presented and in good condition.

Size

26.9 x 18.3cm (10.6" x 7.2")
Framed Size: 40.6 x 30.1cm (16" x 11.9")

Artist Biography

Frederick Henry Townsend ARE (1868-1920) was an illustrator and printmaker. He was born in London and studied at Lambeth School of Art from 1885-89. As a student he began contributing to journals including the Illustrated London News and during his career his work was reproduced in many periodicals including The Graphic, Pall Mall Magazine, The Sketch, Sphere, and Tatler. His first cartoon appeared in Punch in 1896 and by 1905 he had become the magazine's first Art Editor. His brother-in-law Frank Reynolds was also an illustrator succeeded him in this post. In 1913 he turned to etching and within two years was elected an Associate of the RE. During World War I he was responsible for designing propaganda posters and his 'War Rages in France' was used by the US government to raise money for food supplies. He also exhibited at the FAS, NEAC, RA, and Leicester Galleries. He illustrated the work of several famous authors including Dickens, Kipling, and Charlotte Bronte. Examples of his work are in the collections of the British Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum.