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Artwork

Fish Street Hill, E.C.3; showing the base of the Monument, and the steeple of St.Magnus the Martyr

Bayes , 1940

Fish Street Hill, E.C.3; showing the base of the Monument, and the steeple of St.Magnus the Martyr, by Bayes, watercolor, 1940
Fish Street Hill, E.C.3; showing the base of the Monument, and the steeple of St.Magnus the Martyr, by Bayes, watercolor, 1940

Fish Street Hill, E.C.3; showing the base of the Monument, and the steeple of St.Magnus the Martyr is a watercolor work on paper by Bayes. It dates from 1940 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Fish Street Hill, E.

About this work

Overview

Fish Street Hill, E.C.3 is a watercolour depicting a historic London street scene, capturing the base of the Monument to the Great Fire of London and the steeple of St. Magnus the Martyr in the background, set amidst everyday urban activity.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a everyday scene on Fish Street Hill, focusing on architectural landmarks (the Monument and St. Magnus' steeple) alongside typical city life elements (a horse-drawn carriage, a butcher's shop, and pedestrians in period attire), preserving a wartime snapshot of British urban identity.

Technique & Style

Executed in watercolour, the piece features muted tones and textured brushwork, suggesting a blend of precision in depicting architectural details and a softer, observational approach to capturing human activity and the worn, historic fabric of the buildings.

History & Provenance

Created in 1940 for the 'Recording Britain' project (1940-1943), a Pilgrim Trust-funded initiative directed by Sir Kenneth Clark, aimed at documenting British landscapes and structures during WWII to bolster national identity.

Context

The artwork reflects London's resilient daily life during wartime, juxtaposing historic monuments with ordinary activities, highlighting the project's goal of preserving cultural heritage amidst turmoil.

Legacy

As part of the 'Recording Britain' collection, this watercolour contributes to a comprehensive archive of Britain's wartime landscape, now housed in various national collections, including the Victoria and Albert Museum.

The Dome of Queen's College, Oxford
The Dome of Queen's College, Oxford, Bayes

Artist & collection

Artist

Bayes

Walter John Bayes was an English painter and illustrator who was a founder member of both the Camden Town Group and the London Group and also a renowned art teacher and critic.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Fish Street Hill, E.C.3; showing the base of the Monument, and the steeple of St.Magnus the Martyr?

Fish Street Hill, E.C.3; showing the base of the Monument, and the steeple of St.Magnus the Martyr was painted by Bayes in 1940.

Where can I see Fish Street Hill, E.C.3; showing the base of the Monument, and the steeple of St.Magnus the Martyr?

Fish Street Hill, E.C.3; showing the base of the Monument, and the steeple of St.Magnus the Martyr is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.