Mending the Thatch; A cottage at Little Avebury
1942
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1942
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
Dominant colour
Mending the Thatch; A cottage at Little Avebury is a 1942 watercolor by Lines, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
This watercolour painting depicts a serene scene of a man repairing the thatched roof of a cottage. The cottage, with its red brick walls and a chimney, is surrounded by lush greenery and trees. A ladder leans against the roof, and the man is busy at work, adding to the sense of tranquility. The painting's use of soft colours and gentle brushstrokes creates a sense of warmth and coziness, drawing the viewer into the peaceful atmosphere of the scene. The artist's attention to detail is evident in the textures of the thatch and the brickwork, adding depth and realism to the painting. For more works like this, explore the collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
This watercolour by Lines, titled *Mending the Thatch; A cottage at Little Avebury*, was created in 1942 as part of the Recording Britain project. The initiative, led by Sir Kenneth Clark and funded by the Pilgrim Trust, employed artists to document the British landscape during the Second World War, capturing scenes at risk from bomb damage, urban expansion, and changing rural traditions. The work depicts a rural cottage, reflecting the project’s focus on preserving a sense of national identity through topographical imagery. It is one of over 1,500 works produced by 97 artists commissioned…
Read the full account in the museum source.
