Who painted Sion Cottage, Sion Hill, Bath?

Sion Cottage, Sion Hill, Bath was painted by Ellis in 1943.

Where can I see Sion Cottage, Sion Hill, Bath?

Sion Cottage, Sion Hill, Bath is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Sion Cottage, Sion Hill, Bath?

Sion Cottage, Sion Hill, Bath is associated with Contemporary Realism.

Artwork

Sion Cottage, Sion Hill, Bath

Ellis , 1943

Sion Cottage, Sion Hill, Bath is a watercolor work on paper by the Contemporary Realist artist Ellis. It dates from 1943 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Ellis’s 1943 watercolour presents a close‑up of an elaborate wrought‑iron gate set against a stone wall, opening onto a substantial Bath townhouse. The composition concentrates on the gate’s decorative ironwork, framing a glimpse of the building behind and establishing a sense of depth through the juxtaposition of metal and masonry.

Subject & Meaning

The work records an architectural detail typical of Bath’s Georgian streetscape, emphasizing the craftsmanship of the period’s iron gates. By isolating this element, the painting highlights the interplay between functional urban entryways and ornamental design, suggesting a quiet dignity in everyday built heritage.

Technique & Style

Executed in watercolour, the piece employs translucent washes that soften the metallic surfaces while preserving the intricate patterns of the ironwork. Subtle tonal variations create a calm atmosphere, and the delicate handling of light imparts a modest sense of depth without overt dramatization.

History & Provenance

Created for the Recording Britain scheme, the watercolour was part of a wartime effort to document at‑risk British scenery and architecture. The project, overseen by Sir Kenneth Clark, commissioned 97 artists to produce more than 1,500 works between 1940 and 1943, aiming to safeguard visual records of places threatened by bombing and urban change.

Context

During the Second World War, the Recording Britain initiative sought to capture a visual archive of the nation’s cultural landscape before it could be altered or destroyed. Ellis’s contribution reflects this mission, focusing on a specific urban feature in Bath that exemplifies the city’s historic character amid the broader wartime preservation effort.