Battersea from the Thames, Nine Elms

During the 18th century Nine Elms became a centre of industries, including brewing, lime kilns, potteries, woodyards and timber docks. Several windmills lined the river bank, surrounded by fields and osier beds.

Although predominantly a marine painter Owen also executed a number of topographical scenes of London from the Thames. He exhibited at the Royal Academy from 1794 to 1807 and with the Associated Artists in Watercolours from 1808 to 1810.