Artwork
Montpellier Parade, Cheltenham
Montpellier Parade, Cheltenham is a watercolor work on paper by the Naïve art artist Ginger. It dates from 1942 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Montpellier Parade, Cheltenham is a 1942 watercolour by the artist Ginger, created as part of the 'Recording Britain' project. The painting captures a street scene in Cheltenham, featuring shops and everyday life during the Second World War.
Subject & Meaning
The scene depicts a row of shops with caryatids, servicemen on the pavement, and people outside a pub. The artist focused on everyday life, documenting aspects of British culture perceived to be at risk from wartime damage.
Technique & Style
The watercolour is characterised by loose brushstrokes, giving it a quick and sketchy feel. The light and cloudy sky adds a soft, pale quality to the scene, capturing a moment in time.
History & Provenance
The work was produced under the 'Recording Britain' scheme, directed by Sir Kenneth Clark, which employed artists to document British life and landscape during the Second World War.
Context
The 'Recording Britain' project resulted in a collection of over 1,500 works, primarily watercolours, by artists such as John Piper and Rowland Hilder, aiming to preserve a visual record of British culture.
Artist & collection
