FDA-D.1763-2024
Parts
Object number
FDA-D.1763-2024
Object type
Identification
Title
Autumn at Eton; the Long Walk
Long Walk, Eton
Long Walk, Eton
Title Type
assigned by cataloguer
Previous title
Previous title
Comments
Many of Nora Davison’s Eton watercolours feature the large lime trees that used to grow on the pathway known as long Walk. By 1958, concern about the age and condition of the trees led two to be felled and the rest significantly cut back, ‘shorn like Samson of the luxuriant growth that was their crowning glory’. Sadly, these measures did not save the limes and eventually all were removed.
In the foreground a member of staff clears autumn leaves and in the distance a group of masters are seen wearing gowns and mortar boards. Eton masters have been nicknamed ‘beaks’ since the 19th century, perhaps because the sharp edges of their headwear were thought to resemble the beak of a bird.
In the foreground a member of staff clears autumn leaves and in the distance a group of masters are seen wearing gowns and mortar boards. Eton masters have been nicknamed ‘beaks’ since the 19th century, perhaps because the sharp edges of their headwear were thought to resemble the beak of a bird.
Other number
CN-16
Description
Dimensions
height (frame): 602mm
width (frame): 474mm
height (actual size): 449mm
width (actual size): 394mm
width (frame): 474mm
height (actual size): 449mm
width (actual size): 394mm
Inscription
Signed in watercolour, lower left: 'NORA DAVISON'
Old labels on reverse:
'CHARLES NUGENT...(information)
Artist: Nora Davison (active 1913-1934)
Title: Autumn in The Walk, Eton College'
'Nora Davison Autumn at Eton Bought, Lawrences, Bletchingley, 29 Nov. 2016, lot 1492 (£240 + premium = £291.84'
Old labels on reverse:
'CHARLES NUGENT...(information)
Artist: Nora Davison (active 1913-1934)
Title: Autumn in The Walk, Eton College'
'Nora Davison Autumn at Eton Bought, Lawrences, Bletchingley, 29 Nov. 2016, lot 1492 (£240 + premium = £291.84'
Materials & techniques note
Pencil and watercolour on paper
Production
Person
Davison, Nora, 1855 - 1950 (Artist)
Date
1913-1950
History and association
Object history note
Provenance: Sold through Lawrences, Bletchingley, auctioneers, on 29 November 2016, (Lot 1492)), as ‘Figure Collecting Leaves before College Buildings’; from which sale purchased by Charles Nugent (1962-2023; CNCA, MCM, 1975-1979); by whom bequeathed to Eton College
Exhibited: ‘A Woman’s View: Nora Davison’s watercolours of Eton’, Verey Gallery, Eton College, 23 May to 28 September 2025 (catalogue number 25)
Exhibited: ‘A Woman’s View: Nora Davison’s watercolours of Eton’, Verey Gallery, Eton College, 23 May to 28 September 2025 (catalogue number 25)
