FDA-D.1764-2024
Parts
Object number
FDA-D.1764-2024
Object type
Identification
Title
Westbury, Eton
Title Type
assigned by cataloguer
Description
Painted view of a street with buildings and figures
Comments
Described by Nikolaus Pevsner as ‘both very big and very free neo-Tudor’, Westbury and Waynflete (adjacent) boarding houses met with some praise in the Eton College Chronicle when completed: ‘the spacious passages and numerous conveniences show that Mr. Collcutt, the architect, has succeeded in his difficult task.’
Collcutt is known for designing the Imperial Institute in South Kensington and an extension to the Savoy Hotel in central London.
The colourful Virginia creeper covering the front of Westbury in Davison’s painting has since been removed, as has the lamp-post that emerges from shrubs. Today there is an additional small extension in front of the building.
Another boarding house, Cotton Hall House, can be seen in the background.
Collcutt is known for designing the Imperial Institute in South Kensington and an extension to the Savoy Hotel in central London.
The colourful Virginia creeper covering the front of Westbury in Davison’s painting has since been removed, as has the lamp-post that emerges from shrubs. Today there is an additional small extension in front of the building.
Another boarding house, Cotton Hall House, can be seen in the background.
Other number
CN-05
Description
Dimensions
height (frame): 437mm
width (frame): 591mm
height (actual size): 168mm
width (actual size): 287mm
width (frame): 591mm
height (actual size): 168mm
width (actual size): 287mm
Inscription
Signed in watercolour, lower right: 'NORA DAVISON'
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 Gorringes, Lewes, auctioneers, 18 February 2019 (Lot 376), as ‘Waynflete House, Eton College’;; collection of 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 19)
Exhibited: ‘A Woman’s View: Nora Davison’s watercolours of Eton’, Verey Gallery, Eton College, 23 May to 28 September 2025 (catalogue number 19)
