MEDIUM:Â Oil on canvas
DIMENSIONS: (unframed) 22 x 30.5 inches (55.9 x 77.5 cm)
(framed) 29.5 x 37 inches (74.9 x 94 cm)
SIGNATURE: Signed ‘W.K. Blacklock’ (lower left)
MAKE AN ENQUIRY
The Top of the Hill
£24,000
William Kay Blacklock’s typical chosen subject for painting was a women, often seated and looking peaceful, undertaking some leisurely activity like reading or sewing. In fact relatively few of Blacklock’s protagonists are looking up from their given task, whereas in this painting the woman looks directly through the oils and back at us. This assertiveness from her is rather more engaging than if she were looking away. However, her posture, expression, and accompanying stick also present an air of weariness, which fittingly relates to the title of this work. Beside her – and rather in contrast to herself – sits a restless child, peering with curiosity into the shrubs that glint enticingly with greens and autumnal ambers and reds. The likelihood is that this was Blacklock’s wife Ellen, or ‘Nellie’, and their daughter Eleanor.
The natural landscape stretches out behind them majestically and reveals something of the artist’s tendency to paint in the style of realism and Victorian genre painting. His choice in subject matter – everyday scenes, rural countryside and coast – stems from his early life within the later years of High Victorian painting. His depiction of nature was found to be pleasing to his contemporaries and has sustained a lasting appeal.
Provenance
Private collection, United States
Buy with confidence: our assurance to you
Professional Associations
We have built up a strong reputation for the quality of the paintings, drawings and sculpture that we curate, exhibit and sell. Our professional associations with bodies such as The British Antique Dealers’ Association (BADA) and the Association of Art & Antique Dealers (LAPADA) are as a result of our reputation for integrity, our wide knowledge of fine arts and the high quality of our stock. Our business standards and expertise are reviewed regularly to adhere vigorously to enforced Codes. Our memberships and commitment to its Code of Conducts gives our buyers confidence when purchasing a work from us.
Authenticity
Condition reports and certificates of authenticity vary in their nature by artwork, for more information on your pieces of interest, please enquire with the gallery.
Artwork images
We take pride in the attention we give to our images of the artworks for purchase and invest in these to ensure outputs are aligned as closely as possible to the item in reality. We do not apply filters or modify images, we provide high-quality images to reflect the high quality of our artworks.
Your purchase process
Payment processing – You can be assured that payments are securely processed through Stripe’s trusted payment gateway.
The Trinity House promise to you
Shipping and packaging
Shipping and packaging requirements are assessed per piece to ensure the most suitable protection for the artwork. Trinity House will therefore call following purchase to agree the recommendations and costs.
Our After Sales services
We offer the following services which we will be happy to discuss with you following your purchase, alternatively, you can enquire for more information.
Insurance
We offer insurance appraisals to protect your prised artwork and help you find the right cover and policy for you.
Framing
We are able to advise on framing and have access to every type and style to suit any artistic period or room setting.
Conservation
The nature of the materials involved in a painting mean that on occasion some pieces are susceptible to movement and the effects of natural ageing. We are able to provide advice on practical measures to conserve the original condition of a piece and have relationships with restorers and framers to offer you a range of services to meet your needs.
Biography
Born in Bishopwearmouth, Sunderland, in 1872, William Blacklock’s childhood developed during the latter days of the Victorian High art era. Having moved to London he met and married his partner, Ellen Richardson, and made a home in Chelsea. Meanwhile Blacklock studied at the Royal College of Art. In 1902 the couple moved to Edinburgh where Blacklock attended the Edinburgh School of Art, after which time he joined an artist’s colony at Walderswick in Suffolk founded by Philip Wilson Steer, a leading British Impressionist.
Blacklock’s practise developed from early lithography to watercolours and oils, and both his wife and Eleanor, his only child, modelled for his compositions. The Kay in his name appears to have been adopted by him as his artistic career began, and he signed his paintings W Kay Blacklock. He exhibited 17 works at the Royal Academy of Art between 1897 and 1918, as well as exhibiting work at the Royal Institute of Oil Painters. Blacklock and his family moved to Cornwall, and he later died in Polperro in 1924.
