Arriving at the hall

The 1870s was to be Grimshaw's most successful decade. He rented Knostrop Old Hall, on the Temple Newsam estate, about two miles from Leeds city centre, and there developed the style for which he is now known: eerie landscapes that are atmospheric and mysterious, dispensing with the Pre-Raphaelite palette of his early work whilst sacrificing none of the delicacy of his technique.

Alex Robertson suggests that the present picture is a composite of various places known to the artist. The drive resembles that at Knostrop Hall but the familiar gateposts are absent.

We are grateful to Alex Robertson for his help in preparing this catalogue entry.