Reverend William Gilpin (1724-1804) is widely respected as a leading exponent of the theory of the picturesque and is equally renowned for his innovative ideas on education and social reform.
Gilpin, elder brother of Sawrey Gilpin the animal painter, was born at Scaleby Castle near Carlisle. He was educatied at Carlisle, St. Bees and Queen's College, Oxford, and was then ordained in 1746. Headmaster at Cheam School, Surrey for more than 25 years, he subsequently founded and endowed a school at Boldre in the New Forest where he had been vicar since 1777. Between 1769 and 1776, Gilpin made numerous sketching tours. His visits included East Anglia, the Wye and South Wales, the south east coast, the Lake District and Highlands. Generally Gilpin painted imaginary landscapes to illustrate his theories of the picturesque. His work was intended 'to explain the country rather than give an exact portrait of it' as he himself said.
Christie's held two sales of Reverend Gilpin's drawings on 6th May, 1802 and 6th June, 1804. Appropriately, the proceeds were sent to assist the funding of Gilpin's school at Boldre.
Rev. William Gilpin
Details
Rev. William Gilpin
Castle Ruins on a River Inlet
pencil, pen and brown ink and brown wash
5½ x 8in.; and three other pen and wash drawings of coastal and lake landscapes, some with figures (4)
Castle Ruins on a River Inlet
pencil, pen and brown ink and brown wash
5½ x 8in.; and three other pen and wash drawings of coastal and lake landscapes, some with figures (4)