Watercolour on paper

Why we acquired this work

This work by a notable local artist was bequeathed by Miss A.M. Loveitt, 1966

The Subject

Accurate studies from nature began in the west in the later middle ages. Such studies gained encouragement from Renaissance neo-Platonist philosophy which believed that God was to be found in the natural world, since the natural world was the 'emanation' of God. Such studies were also part of the Romantic spirit in culture which saw an interest in both the terrifying and the charming.

The Artist

William Hough was art-pupil-teacher at Coventry School of Art from 1855 to 1856, Assistant Master 1856 to 62 and Acting Head there from 1862 to 1863. Immediately afterwards he was declared to be not fully qualified and removed from office. He left and moved to London where he became a successful still life painter. This work almost certainly dates from this latter stage of his life.

The Place of William Hough in Art

A painting 'Primroses and Bird's Nest' by William Henry Hunt in the Tate Gallery is extremely similar to this work by Hough. Hough must have been influenced by Hunt, who exhibited an average of 8 such works every year from 1855 to his death in 1864. Our work really cannot date before 1855, and more likely dates from around 1865.

Other works by the artist in the Herbert's collections

The Herbert holds a number of watercolours by William Hough. Probably the earliest is a watercolour of Ford's Hospital in Coventry. The piece is less richly coloured and less confidently painted than the other studies at the Herbert, which are all still life studies.