An album of watercolors assembled by the gentleman farmer and amateur artist John Tomes showing views of his manor house Weston Sands House and the surrounding countryside. Tomes recorded his estate from many angles and in all seasons as well as picturesque spots in the neighbouring countryside, including several views of the River Avon which bordered his estate. Also included are a series of watercolors taken on a trip to the Isle of Wight. There is also a view of Windsor Castle (?) across the Thames and many watercolors of medieval ruins, abbeys, and castles. Tomes also copied a number of Turner prints from the ‘Liber Studiorum’ (published 1807-1819) and his ‘Picturesque views on the Southern Coast’ (published 1814-1826).
- Artist: Tomes, John, 1791-1863, artist.
- Title: [Album of watercolors of the countryside around Weston Sands House] [art original].
- Production: [Warwickshire, England], [ca. 1818-1850]
Folio 75 T656 818
Acquired April 2021
“James II and Mary of Modena enthroned in Westminster Abbey during the king’s coronation.”–British Museum online catalogue.
“Interior of Westminster Abbey, prior to the coronation procession of James II entering.”–British Museum online catalogue.
An album of seven pencil sketches, mounted with a neat ink borders. beginning with a title page, a view in a grove with trees and with two figures (one seated and pointing, the other with a portfolio under his arm) in conversation and a rock, the face of which is inscribed with the album title. The six drawings folllowing are romanticised topographical subjects including castles, gates, and ecclesiastical buildings, in ruins, enveloped in trees and foliage, from the vantage point of a river or allong the roadside.
“The coronation of James II; interior of Westminster Abbey, the crowning of the king at bottom centre.”–British Museum online catalogue.
