A cottage with a mother and child, near Bridport, Dorset

Towards the close of the 20th Century, Allingham ventured to the West Country to paint thatched buildings. Although her watercolours continued to reflect her interest in local architecture, albeit in idealised situations, the artist was fully aware of the harsh realities the inhabitants of these damp buildings faced. Some of her paintings depict condemned or deserted cottages near Bridport and Burton Bradstock, thus confirming reports that it was not unusual to see thatched roofs patched with corrugated iron or entirely replaced by it.

We are grateful to Annabel Watts for her help in preparing this catalogue entry.