The Work of the Day is over and Tiredness Calls Us Home, Mancetter Church, Atherstone

The present watercolour would appear to be amongst Steer's masterpieces; skillfully executed and sympathetic in mood. Steer was a student at Heatherley's from 1879-88 and began his career as a lithographer, later painting in both oil and watercolour. He exhibited at the New Watercolour Society and at the Royal Academy from 1888-1895. He exhibited from an address in Earl Shilton, Hinckley, Leicestershire.

The church depicted is probably St. Peter's. Mancetter, Warwickshire, close to the border with Leicestershire and therefore a local subject for Steer. In mood and subject matter his work is close to that of his precursor Frederick Walker (1840-1875); two watercolours by Walker will be included in The Important British Art Sale, 24 November 2004.