John Piper, C.H. (1903-1992)

The Quay, Exeter

Details

John Piper, C.H. (1903-1992)
The Quay, Exeter
signed and inscribed 'Exeter: the quay. The Custom House is in dark red (local) brick with plaster dressings. The buildings shown in fact form two sides of The square (Custom House on N; Harbour-Master's Office E.) Roofs and slates-hanging/on tall building behind the Harbour-Master's Office are of Devonshire slates. Custom House windows sashed as two on left. Royal Arms & Arms of the City of Exeter in relief. Pink represents sandstone retaining-walling and/quoining. John Piper' (lower edge)
pencil, pen, brush, black ink, watercolour, coloured crayon, bodycolour and collage
12 x 26 in. (30.5 x 68 cm.)
Executed circa 1944

Lot Essay

At the outbreak of the Second World War, Sir Kenneth Clark persuaded the government to set up the War Artists scheme, to preserve the life of artists and provide them with work. Piper was involved in two aspects of the scheme, the painting of war damage; and the 'Recording of Britain' project. This was organised by Clark and the Pilgrim Trust, and was intended to provide a record of buildings that might be damaged by enemy bombs. Piper contributed drawings from all over the country for the four books which were published by the Trust.

More from 20C British Art

View All