Who painted Old Prison, York?

Old Prison, York was painted by John Cooper in 1940.

Where can I see Old Prison, York?

Old Prison, York is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Old Prison, York?

Old Prison, York is associated with Social Realism.

Artwork

Old Prison, York

John Cooper , 1940

Old Prison, York is a watercolor work on paper by the Social Realist artist John Cooper. It dates from 1940 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Old Prison, York is a watercolour painting created by John Cooper in 1940. The work is signed by the artist and depicts a significant building in York.

Subject & Meaning

The painting shows the Old Prison in York, with the Assize Court building to the right and a circular lawn in the foreground. The scene is populated by a group of people, giving a sense of scale to the imposing structure.

Technique & Style

Cooper's use of watercolour creates a soft and subtle effect, contrasting with the solidity of the building. The muted colour palette, dominated by yellows and browns, adds to the contemplative atmosphere of the scene.

History & Provenance

The painting was created as part of the Recording Britain scheme, a government-funded project that employed artists to document sites across Britain during the Second World War, aiming to preserve a record of places threatened by wartime damage or social change.