Who painted A Wood near Cheltenham?

A Wood near Cheltenham was painted by Penley in 1848.

Where can I see A Wood near Cheltenham?

A Wood near Cheltenham is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is A Wood near Cheltenham?

A Wood near Cheltenham is associated with British Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of A Wood near Cheltenham?

Museum-quality prints of A Wood near Cheltenham are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

A Wood near Cheltenham

Penley , 1848

A Wood near Cheltenham is a watercolor work on paper by the British Romanticist artist Penley. It dates from 1848 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

The work is a watercolour created in 1848 by an artist identified as Penney, titled A Wood near Cheltenham. It portrays a tranquil woodland setting close to the town of Cheltenham, rendered in a modest, observational manner typical of mid‑nineteenth‑century British landscape painting.

Subject & Meaning

The composition features a narrow, winding track that follows a small stream through a stand of mature trees. Two figures on foot accompany a horse along the path, suggesting a leisurely stroll. The foliage displays a mixture of green leaves and early autumn yellows, emphasizing the seasonal transition and the quiet rhythm of rural life.

Technique & Style

Executed in transparent watercolour, the piece relies on delicate washes to convey the filtered light that dapples the forest floor. Fine brushwork delineates the bark, rocks and undergrowth, while broader strokes suggest atmospheric sky. The approach reflects the 19th‑century British preference for naturalistic, serene landscapes, emphasizing observation over dramatization.

History & Provenance

Signed and dated by Penney in 1848, the painting bears the artist’s full name and the year of execution. Its provenance traces back to private collections in the Cheltenham area, though further details of ownership changes remain undocumented.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Penley

Penley is a village in the County Borough of Wrexham, in Wales close to the border with Shropshire, England, and had a population of 606 as of the 2011 census.