Varley Dolgelly near Barmouth 1818 {1902} NGV [WT]

Varley, John (1778-1842; English)
Dolgelly near Barmouth, North Wales 1818
Watercolour, gum arabic and scratching out, 27.0 x 40.1 cm (sheet)
Purchased, 1902 (advice of Bernard Hall)
National Gallery of Victoria (116-2)

NGV 1905 notes that this work and Varley Moel Heboeg {1902} NGV [WT] – evidently a pair – were bought together in Melbourne, each for a small sum. Both works, typifying the artist’s neoclassical landscape style, were included in the NGV’s British Watercolours exhibition (2011-12). The present work appears to be in good condition, apart from some slight foxing in the centre.

The 1902 Annual Report indicates that the two works were “obtained originally direct from the artist by Mr William A’Beckett about 1820.” This presumably refers to the grandfather of William Arthur Callander A’Beckett (1833-1901): refer linked donor entry.

Refs.

AR 1902, p.18 (noting provenance as indicated above); NGV 1905, p.48 (II.Stawell Gallery, no.44) [£7/7] 

For this work, see also British Watercolours 1760-1900: The Age of Splendour (NGV 2011-12): checklist available online