Bernard Cecil Gotch (1876-1964)

The Bodleian Library, Oxford: Passageway into the Old Schools Quandrangle

Watercolour

49 x 35 cm

Signed in pencil lower right.

An enticing view of the passageway leading into the Old Schools Quad of the Bodleian Library. Through the gateway, we see the passageway leading out of the Quad onto the other side, into Radcliffe Square. A glimpse of the Radcliffe Camera, surrounded by its green lawn, is visible through the two passages.

Bernard Cecil Gotch was a Winchester-born artist who is best known for his atmospheric watercolours of Britain’s towns and cities (most notably Oxford).

He moved to Oxford in 1927, painting many watercolours of the interiors and exteriors of Oxford’s many buildings. His works concentrate on the grand exteriors and interiors of the University’s colleges, and he exhibited frequently – including an exhibition every term at Oriel College.

His first notable commission was for the publisher Methuen, illustrating ‘A Shepherd’s Life’ by W H Hudson. Whilst in London he was invited to illustrate a book on the Public Schools of England (which was sadly never completed). He exhibited watercolours at the Fine Art Society and Lincolns Inn, and also exhibited at the Royal Academy.

In 1952 Gotch was given an Honorary MA by the University of Oxford, and, after his death in 1963, a memorial was held for him at Oriel.

Condition: very good. Framed, with washline mount.

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