Studio RT Ltd

Description

We are offering for sale this lovely, evocative watercolour by the artist JAMES WALTER GOZZARD, who has initialled the painting in the lower left hand corner. It is entitled on the original gilt slip THE WAYSIDE COTTAGE J. W. Gozzard. The painting has been executed in fine detail and depicts a man carrying a basket and using a walking stick, holding a small child by the hand as they are walking along a country track at twilight. There is a cottage with a lighted window ahead. The trees are bare, so it must be winter and both figures are well wrapped up.

As J. W. Gozzard did not exhibit his work, he is not listed in our usual reference books, but there is considerable information about him in Jeremy Wood's excellent book 'Hidden Talents'. To quote -

'Painter and illustrator in oil and watercolour of rural landscapes. Born in Lichfield, Staffs in 1888, J. W. Gozzard was a prolific illustrator whose work was reproduced as both prints and postcards. He produced a series of Scottish views in watercolour that were published by Valentines in Dundee, some street scenes published by William McKenzie and some rural landscapes published by Philco in London. In addition to the postcards, a large number of prints were made of his work in both black and white and colour that were available up to the First World War.

J. W. Gozzard does not appear to have exhibited either in London or the provinces. His watercolour was often heightened with bodycolour and his precise style made the work very suitable for reproduction. His larger works were usually signed in full whereas the smaller studies were often initialled. Some of the work was signed with a pseudonym 'F. Arnold'. '

An illustration of one of his works appears on Page 61 of this book.

Auction results for works by this artist may be seen at artprice.com (96 listings), artnet.com (49), findartinfo.com (58) and arcadja.com (50). He is frequently listed in Hislop's Guide to the UK Art Market.

The painting is framed in its original a 4" ornate, swept gilt frame and slip, from which it has never been removed. It is ready to hang.

Medium Watercolours heightened with bodycolour.

Condition Excellent. The colours are bright and true and there is no foxing. The frame is in very good condition for its age.