| Method | Linocut |
| Artist | Bernard Cecil Gotch |
| Published | [n.d. c. 1950] |
| Dimensions | Image 100 x 67 mm, Sheet 135 x 85 mm |
| Notes |
Signed and inscribed in pencil below image. A view of the South Porch, Chartres Cathedral in France. Originally presented as a Christmas card. Handwriting on verso reads: Love and / Best wishes for / Christmas / & the New Year. Bernard Cecil Gotch was born on 17th May 1876 at Chilcombe near Winchester. He attended Winchester School of Art, first as a student and then later as teacher. By 1910, he had received his first notable commission illustrating A Shepherd's Life by W.H. Hudson, published by Methuens. In 1914, he married Mary Fox, an accomplished violinist. They settled in Winchester where he continued painting. Gotch completed a series of watercolours in and around Winchester, characterised by his muted palette that was typical of his early works. Alongside painting, Bernard and Mary continued teaching in order to supplement their income. Following the war they lived for a year on the edge of Dartmoor where Gotch painted several churches in the area as well as the surrounding moorland. Bernard and Mary Gotch moved to London, where Bernard had a studio near the Tate. He had one-man shows in Lincolns Inn and the Fine Art Society. It was whilst in London that Gotch was approached to illustrate a book on the Public Schools of England, a project eventually abandoned; however, some of these watercolours were exhibited at the Fine Art Society in 1927. During his time in London, Gotch was painting some of his best architectural work of buildings in London, but financial security was elusive, so Mary played the violin in hotels and theatres. In 1925, Gotch moved to Oxford, eventually settling in Patchway, on Cumnor Hill. Working from his studio on the first floor of Patchway, he was soon busy taking commissions. His works concentrated on the interiors and exteriors of colleges and were featured in regular one-man shows both in Oxford galleries and colleges, including an exhibition every 'eights week' in Oriel College Lecture rooms. Throughout this period his work was regularly exhibited at the Royal Academy. In 1952, the University of Oxford made Gotch an Honorary M.A. After he died in 1963 a memorial service took place in Oriel College. Shortly followed by his Memorial Exhibition at our associated Bonfigioli Gallery in 1964. Carried out from the mid 1940's onwards Gotch's printed works remain largely unknown and un-documented. It was during his time in Oxford that Gotch returned to printmaking, having previously completed engravings of Winchester College whilst living in Winchester. He turned to the graphic and bold medium of linocut to illustrate his own houses, individual Oxford colleges and the classical architecture of Oxford City Centre. Condition: Tipped to original presentation board, slight foxing. |
| Framing | unmounted |
| Price | £50.00 |
| Stock ID | 48306 |