Boot Mill in Eskdale on Whillan Beck, Lake District

The present watercolour belongs to a group of blue and grey wash views of the Lake District that Turner and Girtin executed in collaboration, probably after a composition by Edward Dayes, before they actually visited the Lake District. This drawing was made at a time when Turner and Girtin attended the drawing academy of Dr Monro. Joseph Farington, also associated with the academy wrote in his Diary of 11 November 1798: 'Girtin drew the outlines and Turner washed in the effects'. The present drawing may have been included in Dr Monro's sale, 26-28 June and 1 and 2 July 1833, lot 113 for example was described as 'twelve Views on the Lakes, &c., Indian ink'. Another view Looking south into Borrowdale, Lake District also executed in collaboration was sold in these Rooms, 28 November 2000, lot 138, dateable to circa 1795-6.