FDA-D.1771-2024
Parts
Object number
FDA-D.1771-2024
Object type
Identification
Title
The Cloisters of Worcester Cathedral
The Cloister at Worcester Cathedral
The Cloister at Worcester Cathedral
Title Type
assigned by cataloguer
Previous title
Previous title
Description
Painted interior view of an ecclesiatical cloister
Comments
Davison came from a Worcestershire-based family and her early life was spent in the county. The Davisons were a family of clerics and Nora’s paternal grandfather, the Rev. John Davison (1777–1834), was a prebendary (senior clergyman) of the cathedral in Worcester, where he is buried. Davison was undoubtedly familiar with the impressive building, which dates back to the 11th century. Here she depicts the Norman cloisters, extensively rebuilt in the late 14th and early 15th centuries. The distinctive floor tiles, chosen by architect Abraham Edward Perkins (1808–1873), were first intended for the nave, but were deemed unsuitable and instead laid in the cloisters in 1873.
Davison’s loose brushstrokes suggest this work was painted in her later years, after her return to Worcestershire. She died in Worcester in 1950.
Davison’s loose brushstrokes suggest this work was painted in her later years, after her return to Worcestershire. She died in Worcester in 1950.
Description
Dimensions
height (actual size): 294mm
width (actual size): 262mm
width (actual size): 262mm
Inscription
Signed in watercolour, lower right: 'NORA DAVISON'
Inscribed in pencil, on verso of backing board: 'Mr [?]'
Inscribed in pencil, on verso of backing board: 'Mr [?]'
Materials & techniques note
Pencil, watercolour and bodycolour on paper
Production
Person
Davison, Nora, 1855 - 1950 (Artist)
Date
1934-1950
History and association
Object history note
Provenance: Purchased from Paul H. Boyce, Worcestershire; from whom purchased by Eton College October 2024
Exhibited: ‘A Woman’s View: Nora Davison’s watercolours of Eton’, Verey Gallery, Eton College, 23 May to 28 September 2025 (catalogue number 39)
Exhibited: ‘A Woman’s View: Nora Davison’s watercolours of Eton’, Verey Gallery, Eton College, 23 May to 28 September 2025 (catalogue number 39)
