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Osler's Gallery, Oxford Street, London

Owen Jones

1850

watercolor

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Early 19th Century

Dominant colour

Osler's Gallery, Oxford Street, London is a 1850 watercolor by Owen Jones, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Owen Jones
When & what style?: 1850
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This painting depicts a grand, high-ceilinged room with a long counter and many people. The room is filled with light from the ceiling, which is made up of many small windows. The counter is lined with rows of bottles and glasses, and people are standing behind it, serving drinks to customers. The atmosphere appears lively, with many people chatting and laughing. The painting is very detailed, with intricate patterns on the ceiling and walls. The colors are muted, with shades of brown and gold dominating the scene. The overall effect is one of warmth and hospitality, inviting the viewer to step into the room and join in the festivities. If you're interested in learning more about this style of painting, you might want to explore the technique of chiaroscuro.

The story of this work

Overview

A pen and watercolour by Owen Jones from 1850 depicts Osler's Gallery on Oxford Street in London, showing a long glass arcade filled with elaborate glassware, silverware, and chandeliers. The gallery was designed by Jones for F & C Osler, a prominent manufacturer of luxury lighting and decorative objects established in 1807, which operated until 1976. The artwork was later donated to the museum by P A G Osler, a trustee of the company. It was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1860 and again at the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1973.

Read the full account in the museum source.