John Piper
Ruined Cottage at Llanthony, 1940-42
Watercolour, gouache and crayon on paper
7 1/2 x 9 3/4 in
19 x 25 cm
19 x 25 cm
Signed 'John Piper' (lower right)
£ 14,000.00 + ARR
As one of approximately sixty artists commissioned by the War Artists Advisory Committee for the incentive ‘Recording Britain’, Piper’s artistic repertoire during the early 1940s consisted of derelict churches and...
As one of approximately sixty artists commissioned by the War Artists Advisory Committee for the incentive ‘Recording Britain’, Piper’s artistic repertoire during the early 1940s consisted of derelict churches and architectural feats across England and Wales. In studying ruinous architecture, Piper developed an interest in rough and organic textures, which saw his work transcend from historical and culturally significant buildings used for ‘Recording Britain,’ to the humble architecture of cottages.
Ruined Cottage at Llanthony was painted between 1940-42, during Piper’s commissioned visit to Llanthony Abbey. Fascinated by the natural decay and reclaim of nature, Piper continued to explore images of the ‘derelict’ and ruin via cottages across Wales, Hampshire and Oxfordshire. Subsequently, Piper’s image of ruined cottages became synonymous with the emotional impact of war upon authentic British living.
Ruined Cottage at Llanthony was painted between 1940-42, during Piper’s commissioned visit to Llanthony Abbey. Fascinated by the natural decay and reclaim of nature, Piper continued to explore images of the ‘derelict’ and ruin via cottages across Wales, Hampshire and Oxfordshire. Subsequently, Piper’s image of ruined cottages became synonymous with the emotional impact of war upon authentic British living.