FDA-D.49-2010
Parts
Object number
FDA-D.49-2010
Object type
Identification
Title
Highland Shearing, Glen Tilt (study)
Title Type
assigned by cataloguer
Comments
A version of the fine large exhibition watercolour William was working on throughout the winter of 1847-8. William had considerable difficulties with this ambitious composition, a novel subject for him which he initially thought 'likely to be a hit'. He incorporated individual portraits and was particularly pleased with that of Sandy Brown, 'the principal figure of my composition'. When Brown died unexpectedly in November 1847, William began to wonder whether the whole project was not unlucky. In January 1848 he writes of his plan to 'pull the 'Sheep Shearing' completely to pieces tomorrow'. It is impossible to place this scene accurately in Old Blair, and William himself admitted altering the central fir tree to a more 'picturesque' ash. He sold the elaboratley worked up watercolour before the Old Watercolour Society exhibition in 1848 (no.27), for 100gns., a price matching his Montem pictures. Sam had a hand in this version, as in many of his later works. Sam also contiuned to use his father's compositions, especially of Eton and Windsor, and of Scotland.
Other number
CL 193
Description
Dimensions
height (sight size): 480mm
width (sight size): 695mm
height (frame): 730mm
width (frame): 936mm
width (sight size): 695mm
height (frame): 730mm
width (frame): 936mm
Materials & techniques note
Pencil and watercolour heightened with bodycolour
Physical description
Modern gilt frame, mount with coloured wash border
Production
Person
Date
c.1848
Note
Both William and Samuel Evans contributed to this work
History and association
Object history note
Provenance: Collection of Miss Cecily M. Drury; by whom presented to Eton College in 1973
Exhibited: 'William Evans of Eton', Brewhouse Gallery, Eton College, 1998 (catalogue number 48)
Exhibited: 'William Evans of Eton', Brewhouse Gallery, Eton College, 1998 (catalogue number 48)
References
• Connor, L.M., William Evans of Eton 1798-1877, exhibition catalogue, Brewhouse, Eton 1998 (p.54, illustrated p.23)
