Who painted 35, Beaumont Street, Oxford?

35, Beaumont Street, Oxford was painted by Anderson in 1941.

Where can I see 35, Beaumont Street, Oxford?

35, Beaumont Street, Oxford is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is 35, Beaumont Street, Oxford?

35, Beaumont Street, Oxford is associated with Social Realism.

Artwork

35, Beaumont Street, Oxford

Anderson , 1941

35, Beaumont Street, Oxford is a watercolor work on paper by the Social Realist artist Anderson. It dates from 1941 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Edward Anderson's 1941 watercolour 35, Beaumont Street, Oxford captures a specific Oxfordian scene during World War II as part of the Recording Britain project.

Subject & Meaning

The artwork documents a three-story building at the titular address, detailing its architectural features and everyday activity, such as people near a car, cart, and entrance, conveying a sense of quotidian life amidst wartime.

Technique & Style

Anderson's watercolour emphasizes the building's structural nuances, like the arched doorway and window frames, while also noting the play of light on its surfaces, resulting in a detailed, observational snapshot.

History & Provenance

Commissioned under the Recording Britain initiative, funded by the Pilgrim Trust and led by Sir Kenneth Clark, this work is part of a 1,500-piece collection by 97 artists aiming to preserve Britain's visual identity during the war.

Context

Created during WWII, the piece served both as a documentary of Britain's architectural heritage and as propaganda, symbolizing national continuity and resilience in the face of uncertainty.