What periods do these river paintings cover?

The selections span multiple centuries, starting from early studies and Georgian prints up through Victorian watercolours and twentieth century oils. Most items originate from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, reflecting a peak period for British landscape painting.

How were these artworks originally framed?

Period pieces typically feature wooden frames, frequently finished with gold leaf gilding to complement the traditional imagery. Watercolours are mounted behind glass to protect the delicate paper from moisture and environmental dust.

What subjects appear most frequently in the views?

Artists focused heavily on London landmarks, historical bridges like Waterloo and Blackfriars, and busy commercial shipping traffic. Other works explore quieter rural stretches of the waterway, depicting locks, Windsor Castle, and riverside villages.

How do watercolours differ from the oil paintings?

Watercolours utilise translucent pigments on paper to capture light skies and atmospheric river mists, requiring glass for protection. Oil paintings utilise heavier pigments on canvas or board, offering rich textures and deeper colour saturation.