An old Surrey Home

This picture is a smaller version of A Relic of the Past, illustrated in Ruth Wood, Benjamin Williams Leader, R.A., 1998, pl. 48, and sold at Christie's London, 29 March 1996, lot 124 (21,000). Executed, like lot 150, in 1897, it depicts the Old Malt House (now Malt House Cottages) in Gomshall, Surrey, a short distance from Burrow's Cross House, where Leader had moved in 1889. The larger painting passed directly into private ownership, and was not exhibited, thereby escaping critical appraisal. It remains an impressive example by Leader who, with the sale of In the evening there shall be light at Christie's for 1,205 in 1897, achieved the record price for a work by any living artist.

The present example is taken from the same viewpoint as A Relic of the Past, although in our picture the view extends further to the right. In many ways, this picture is more pleasing, the building exuding more warmth in the tones of its tile and brick, and being suffused by a warmer light.