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Mother Ludlam's Hole, near Farnham

Grimm

1781

watercolor

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Rococo painting Romanticism 18th Century Interior

Dominant colour

Mother Ludlam's Hole, near Farnham is a 1781 watercolor by Grimm, a Rococo painting work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Grimm
When & what style?: 1781 · Rococo painting
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This painting shows a dim, rocky cave entrance with rough walls and a low ceiling. Three people stand near the opening—two adults and a child—looking inside. The ground is paved with uneven stones, and a small dog lies in the shadows. Wooden signs and a railing frame the entrance, while the cave’s dark mouth swallows most of the light. The artist focused on how the cave’s rough texture contrasts with the smooth pavement. The play of light and shadow makes the space feel both eerie and real. Look up chiaroscuro to see how artists use light and dark to create mood.

The story of this work

Overview

A 1781 watercolour by Grimm depicts the interior of a cave with several figures, titled *Mother Ludlam's Hole, near Farnham* and signed with the artist’s name and date. The scene references local folklore about Mother Ludlam, a figure commonly known as the white witch of Waverley, whose legend is tied to various mythical tales and stories.

Read the full account in the museum source.