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Lot Essay
Many of Helen Allingham's watercolours represent her concern about disappearing sights in the countryside around her Surrey home. Her husband, the writer and poet William Allingham, was just as passionate on this subject. The couple were well aware of the views raised by the likes of John Ruskin and William Morris concerning the effects of the Industrial Revolution on the natural landscape. As a consequence of their work, regional societies and committees were set up across the country to protect common land, footpaths and rights of way. It was because of increasing public-support, the National Trust was founded in 1895.
On a local level, the Allinghams supported their neighbour, the artist Birket Foster, who led a campaign to stop the blocking off of ancient footpaths and the unnecessary demolition of ancient buildings by greedy landlords. William Allingham subscribed to the Haslemere Commons Committee and on one occasion, petitioned for signatures opposing threats to public rights of way. He followed up this action by writing an article in the Pall Mall Gazette on the subject of 'Footpaths' highlighting their illegal closure and the effect it had on country-folk.
Christie's are grateful to Annabel Watts for her help in preparing this catalogue entry.
On a local level, the Allinghams supported their neighbour, the artist Birket Foster, who led a campaign to stop the blocking off of ancient footpaths and the unnecessary demolition of ancient buildings by greedy landlords. William Allingham subscribed to the Haslemere Commons Committee and on one occasion, petitioned for signatures opposing threats to public rights of way. He followed up this action by writing an article in the Pall Mall Gazette on the subject of 'Footpaths' highlighting their illegal closure and the effect it had on country-folk.
Christie's are grateful to Annabel Watts for her help in preparing this catalogue entry.