Who painted Steyning, Sussex?

Steyning, Sussex was painted by Alfred William Rich in 1880.

Where can I see Steyning, Sussex?

Steyning, Sussex is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Steyning, Sussex?

Steyning, Sussex is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Steyning, Sussex?

Museum-quality prints of Steyning, Sussex are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Steyning, Sussex

Alfred William Rich , 1880

Steyning, Sussex is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Alfred William Rich. It dates from 1880 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Alfred William Rich’s watercolour portrays the Sussex village of Steyning, set on a gentle hill. The composition centers on a white‑washed cluster of houses and a prominent church steeple, its clock face hinted at in the distance. A solitary figure traverses a narrow path in the foreground, suggesting a quiet, wintry moment.

Subject & Meaning

The work captures a tranquil winter scene, emphasizing the modest scale of the settlement and the modest daily life of its inhabitants. The lone pedestrian, bundled against the cold, reinforces a sense of solitude and the subdued atmosphere typical of a snow‑covered English village.

Technique & Style

Rich employs loose, fluid brushwork characteristic of watercolour, allowing colour to blend softly without hard outlines. Muted earth tones dominate the architecture, while the snow‑tipped roofs and pale sky are rendered with delicate washes, creating a gentle, luminous quality that conveys the crispness of winter light.

History & Provenance

The painting bears the artist’s signature, confirming its attribution to Alfred William Rich. It remains a documented example of his landscape oeuvre, illustrating his interest in rural English settings during the late nineteenth century. The work is catalogued as a watercolour titled “Steyning, Sussex.”