William Gawin Herdman (1805-1882) - 1870 Watercolour Stafford Street, Liverpool

Description

A fine and delicate watercolour painting on watermarked watercolour paper by the British artist William Gawin Herdman. The scene depicts Liverpool's Stafford Street in 1870, with figures walking along the pavement. The fine lines and precise brushstrokes, create a great sense of perspective, and highlight the artist's clear proficiency in the medium. Signed and dated to the lower left-hand corner. Signed and dated.

Condition

The condition is typical for a picture of this age including some discolouration and age toning. Very slight creasing to the edges.

Size

22.9 x 35.8cm (9" x 14.1")
Sheet: 25.7 x 39.3cm (10.1" x 15.5")

Artist Biography

William Gawin Herdman, also known as W. G. Herdman (1805–1882) was an English author and painter, best known for his scenes of Liverpool. Self-taught, Herdman documented and painted the city of Liverpool as it changed throughout the years.

The artist exhibited at the Royal Academy from 1834 to 1861, joining the Liverpool Academy of Arts in 1836. In 1857 he left the Liverpool Academy and established the rival Institution of Fine Arts. Herdman was also a teacher and commercial artist, publishing the ‘Pictorial Relics of Ancient Liverpool’ in 1843 and 1856.

Colin Simpson, curator at the Williamson Art Gallery in Birkenhead, has said that Herdman ‘was known to take the Mersey ferry, walk as far as he could in half an hour or so and then sketch what he saw. Views of New Brighton and Eastham were favourites.’ A selection of Herdman’s work can be found at the William Brown Library and Museum in Liverpool.