Studio RT Ltd

Description

We are delighted to offer this superb watercolour by the eminent artist Arthur Ralph Middleton Todd, who has initialled the painting to the top right hand corner and signed it verso. The picture depicts an elderly gentleman, with the most wonderful mutton chop whiskers, playing a clarinet. He is wearing a country suit with waistcoat and has a straw hat with a salmon coloured band, which matches his cravat.

Arthur Ralph Middleton Todd, was born on 26th October, 1891 in Helston, Cornwall, the son of the Newlyn artist Ralph Todd. He was taught by Stanhope Forbes, who was a friend of his father, in Newlyn before attending the Central School of Arts and Crafts in London. In WWI, he served as a driver in the RASC. In 1918, he had a painting exhibited at the Royal Academy. He studied at the Slade School for two years from 1920 and after this, he travelled throughout France, Holland and Italy.

On his return to Britain, he became known for his portraits, of which there are 23 in the National Collection, including 'The Picture Book' (1939) which was acquired by the Chantry Bequest for The Tate Gallery. He was also an etcher and was very competent in the use of all media. During WWII he received some commissions from the War Artists' Advisory Committee.

He was a tutor at the Royal Academy schools 1946-49, master of the life class at the Regent Street Polytechnic in 1939 and head of drawing and painting at Leicester School of Art 1936-39. His last post was at City & Guilds of London Art School in Kensington 1950-56. He died on 21st November 1966 in London, but was buried at Devoran Parish Church in Cornwall.

He was elected an Associate of the Royal Academy in 1939 and a full Member in 1949. As with the Royal Society of Painter-Etchers and Engravers, Associate in 1923 and full Member in 1930. He was elected an Associated of the Royal Society of Painters in Watercolour in 1929 and a full Member in 1937. He was also a Member of the New English Art Club.

He exhibited widely, mostly in London, but also in the provinces, including 41 at the Royal Academy. His auction results may be found at the usual sites.

The painting has been newly double mounted in two tone acid free mountboard to complement and is framed in a very nice 1 3/8" gilt frame. It will be supplied wired and ready to hang.

Image size: 11 3/8" x 8 1/8" - 28.9cm x 20.5cm

Frame size: 20 1/4" x 16 1/4" - 51.45cm x 41.3cm

Watercolours on paper

Condition: Excellent, with no foxing or fading. The mounts are new and the frame is in very good condition with no losses.