Artwork
Ham Street, Cows from Manor Farm passing Ham House stables
Ham Street, Cows from Manor Farm passing Ham House stables is a watercolor work on paper by John Sanderson Sanderson-Wells. It dates from 1940 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Ham Street, Cows from Manor Farm passing Ham House stables is a watercolour by John Sanderson-Wells, created in 1940. The work captures a serene rural scene of cows moving along a tree-lined lane, with a stable block in the background.
Subject & Meaning
The painting documents a moment of rural English life during World War II, subtly reflecting wartime concerns over the preservation of traditional landscapes and national identity.
Technique & Style
Executed in watercolour, the piece features soft, muted colors and delicate rendering, evoking a sense of quiet tranquility and peacefulness. The medium's inherent softness complements the serene atmosphere of the scene.
History & Provenance
Commissioned by the Committee for the Employment of Artists in Wartime, with support from the Pilgrim Trust, this work was part of the Recording Britain project, a large-scale initiative (over 1,500 works by 97 artists) to record Britain's national identity during wartime.
Context
Within the broader Recording Britain collection, this piece contributes to a visual archive of the country's landscape and life during the Second World War, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural heritage amidst turmoil.
Legacy
As part of the extensive Recording Britain project, the work remains a significant document of wartime Britain, offering insights into the era's rural life and the artistic response to national identity concerns.
Artist & collection
Artist
John Sanderson Sanderson-Wells
John Sanderson-Wells painted quiet watercolor scenes of London’s riverside in the 1940s.
